Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Strike as FG Restores Allowances

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike after the Federal Government agreed to reinstate the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and address outstanding welfare issues affecting doctors across the country.

The decision followed an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday, where members assessed recent discussions with government officials and other stakeholders in the health sector.

NARD had earlier threatened to embark on a total nationwide strike over the suspension of the revised allowance structure and delays in salary payments, a move that sparked concerns over possible disruptions in Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.

In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association confirmed that the government had reversed the suspension of the reviewed PAT.

According to the statement, implementation of the revised allowance structure is expected to commence with April salaries, a development that played a major role in the decision to shelve the industrial action.

The association also said the Federal Government had renewed assurances on the payment of promotion arrears and salary backlogs owed to resident doctors in several institutions.

Additionally, approval has reportedly been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with disbursement expected to begin soon.

NARD further disclosed that the Budget Office had indicated readiness to begin payment of 19 months’ outstanding arrears linked to the professional allowance, another major demand by the doctors.

Despite the progress, the association expressed concern over the continued delay in salary payments for house officers and urged the government to urgently address the issue.

As part of its resolutions, NARD called for sustained implementation of the revised allowance structure, immediate clearance of all outstanding arrears, and speedy disbursement of the training fund.

It also demanded an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to resolve challenges surrounding house officers’ remuneration.

“In light of the above developments, the NEC resolves to suspend the proposed total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action,” the communiqué stated.

The association added that progress on the agreements would be reviewed during its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) scheduled to hold in May in Kano.

NARD also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials and stakeholders for their intervention in resolving the dispute.

The suspension offers temporary relief to patients and healthcare providers across the country, although stakeholders say full implementation of the government’s promises will be critical in preventing future industrial action.