The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to fully carry out pending agreements on salaries, allowances and welfare, while extending the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike.
The decision followed the Association’s January National Executive Council meeting and Scientific Conference, which took place from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the Association acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other stakeholders for their involvement in ongoing engagements.
According to NARD, the continuation of the strike suspension for another four weeks was described as a “goodwill gesture” based on what it said were visible steps taken by the Federal Government.
“In recognition of the progress made by the Federal Government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike for a further period of four weeks,” the communiqué read.
The Association’s January NEC meeting, its first statutory meeting of the year, was held alongside a scientific conference on January 27 at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos, Plateau State.
The conference, with the theme ‘Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health’, was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, who was represented by Dr Peace Longdet.
The event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Piwuna Christopher, and drew the presence of several dignitaries, including the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Jacob Gyang, who was represented.
Also in attendance were leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association and chief medical directors of major health institutions across the country.
Following deliberations, the NEC acknowledged the reinstatement of doctors disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and praised the role of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System in addressing outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears.
NARD said IPPIS assured the Association that arrangements were in place to settle the arrears within two weeks.
The Association further stated that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to appropriate authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be fast-tracked.
Despite these developments, NARD raised concerns over delays in the circulation of the directive confirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry point for medical doctors.
It also expressed dissatisfaction with the non-payment of the Professional Allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as lingering salary arrears in several health institutions nationwide.
The Association warned that industrial relations were deteriorating at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for immediate intervention, while also urging improved welfare, prompt release of training funds and renewed investment in health infrastructure across the country.
What you should know
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors is maintaining pressure on the Federal Government despite extending its strike suspension.
While acknowledging progress on reinstatements and payment assurances for allowances and salary arrears, the Association insists that unresolved issues remain critical. Key concerns include unpaid professional allowances, delays in implementing CONMESS 3 as the entry level for doctors, and worsening labour relations in some teaching hospitals.
NARD’s four-week ultimatum signals that failure to meet these demands could trigger renewed industrial action, potentially disrupting healthcare services nationwide.
