The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended the resumption of its nationwide strike, which was scheduled to begin Monday, January 12, 2026.
The suspension, described as strategic and conditional, will be reviewed at NARD’s next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, set to commence on January 25, 2026.
According to a communiqué issued by NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the decision followed commitments from key government stakeholders, including the Federal Ministries of Health, Labour and Employment, Finance, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Accountant-General’s Office, IPPIS, the Budget Office, chief medical directors, the National Assembly, and the Department of State Services.
NARD also credited the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Tinubu, as a decisive factor in the suspension.
“Following firm commitments from critical stakeholders and based on the direct presidential intervention led by Vice President Shettima, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the resumption of TICS 2.0. This suspension allows room to objectively review tangible progress at the January NEC meeting,” the communiqué read.
The association highlighted progress on several fronts, including the resolution of the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, verification of outstanding 25%/35% CONMESS arrears, and forwarding of promotion and salary arrears lists to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office for expedited payment.
Other initiatives include reaffirming CONMESS 3 as the recognised entry-level placement for resident doctors, the formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to address locum practice and work-hour regulation, and steps toward full implementation of specialist allowances.
On house officers’ welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has intervened, with further engagement expected from the Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to resolve salary delays and arrears.
NARD had earlier announced plans to resume a Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike (TICS 2.0) due to alleged failure by the Federal Government to implement previous agreements.
However, the National Industrial Court in Abuja had on January 10 issued an order restraining the association and its members from embarking on the strike following a motion filed by the Federal Government.
