Resident Doctors Gives FG Four-Week Ultimatum, Extends Strike Suspension

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a four-week deadline to fully implement pending agreements on salaries, allowances, and welfare.

The NARD also extended the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS).

This decision followed the Association’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference, held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.

In a statement signed by NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the group thanked President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and other key stakeholders for their involvement in ongoing discussions.

NARD said the strike suspension extension is a “goodwill gesture” in recognition of progress made by the Federal Government.

“In recognition of steps taken by the Federal Government to meet the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has agreed to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike for another four weeks,” the statement read.

The January NEC meeting, NARD’s first for the year, was held alongside a scientific conference on January 27 at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos. The conference, titled “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health,” was presented by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, through his representative, Dr Peace Longdet.

The event was chaired by ASUU President Piwuna Christopher and attended by dignitaries including the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty Jacob Gyang, represented by a delegate, leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and chief medical directors from major health institutions.

During discussions, the NEC welcomed the reinstatement of doctors who had been disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and praised the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for their work on the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears. IPPIS assured that these arrears would be cleared within two weeks.

NARD also confirmed that promotion and salary arrears had been sent to the relevant authorities, with the Minister of Finance promising prompt payment.

Despite these steps, the Association expressed concern over delays in issuing the directive confirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry-level for doctors. It also criticized the non-payment of the Professional Allowance in the 2026 Appropriation Act and ongoing salary delays in many health facilities.

The group warned that industrial tensions could worsen at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent intervention, including better welfare, timely training funds, and renewed investment in health infrastructure across the country.