The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) suspends its planned resumption of industrial action following fresh commitments from the Federal Government and key stakeholders in the health sector. The decision follows a virtual Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 11, 2026, where leaders of the association review progress on longstanding welfare, salary, and professional issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the meeting focuses on assessing the status of agreements reached with government agencies and evaluating recent interventions aimed at resolving disputes. NARD leadership explains that the suspension of the strike is strategic and conditional, designed to allow time to verify concrete implementation of promises made by the authorities before taking further action.
On the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, NARD confirms that recommendations of an earlier committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are now implemented. A new reconciliation committee, made up of Chief Medical Directors, ministry officials, and NARD representatives, is also established to promote peace and ensure all resident doctors remain at the facility while resolving internal disputes.
The association reports progress on the long-standing issue of outstanding 25 percent and 35 percent CONMESS arrears. Verified payment lists are already forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), while the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment formally writes to the Ministry of Finance to fast-track payments. Similar progress is recorded on accoutrement allowances, with NARD pledging to continue close monitoring until doctors receive full payment.
According to Mediaplusng.com, promotion and salary arrears also move forward, as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare submits verified lists to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. The Minister of State for Finance acknowledges receipt, while discussions continue on setting a clear and expedited payment schedule. NARD leadership says this marks a major step toward resolving one of the most painful issues facing resident doctors.
On entry-level placement and skipping issues, the Director of Hospital Services is set to formally notify hospital chief executives that CONMESS 3 remains the approved entry level for resident doctors, based on guidance from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. NARD believes this clarification will address inconsistencies across federal hospitals.
The association also confirms progress on regulating locum practice and work hours. A multi-stakeholder committee involving the Federal Ministry of Health, Chief Medical Directors, the Nigerian Medical Association, and NARD is already in place, with preliminary work ongoing ahead of its formal inauguration. Specialist allowance implementation is also advancing, with NARD describing steps taken so far as concrete and encouraging.
House officers’ welfare receives renewed attention, as the Ministry of Labour intervenes and the Ministry of Health prepares to engage the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and IPPIS over salary delays and arrears. A separate committee is also set up to address membership re-categorisation, bringing together regulators, training institutions, and NARD officials to harmonise standards.
NARD further resolves to work closely with state and private health facilities to ensure salary and allowance arrears are addressed beyond the federal level. The association stresses that gains recorded at the federal level must reflect across all sectors to prevent inequality and continued unrest.
On professional allowances, NARD confirms that the relevant circular is already released, with the Ministry of Health writing to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to ensure implementation starting with January salaries. The association adds that assurances are given that 18 months of arrears will be captured in the 2026 budget.
Following firm commitments from multiple stakeholders, including the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NEC unanimously agrees to suspend the resumption of its Total and Indefinite Closure of Services (TICS 2.0). The suspension allows the association to objectively assess progress at its next NEC meeting scheduled for January 25, 2026.
NARD expresses appreciation to its leadership, members, and supporting institutions nationwide, noting that sustained engagement and high-level political intervention play a key role in the progress recorded so far. The association says it remains cautiously optimistic that ongoing efforts will lead to a lasting solution to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.
While the strike threat is temporarily shelved, NARD warns that its patience depends on visible and timely implementation of all agreements. Resident doctors across the country continue to watch developments closely as the association prepares for its next crucial review meeting later in the month.
