Abuja, Jan. 11, 2026 (NAN) — The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned resumption of a “Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike” (TICS 2.0), which was scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 12.
The decision was announced on Sunday in a statement signed by NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, following an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).
According to Ibrahim, the meeting was convened to assess the status of the association’s demands and evaluate progress made through ongoing engagements with key government stakeholders.
“The suspension is strategic and conditional, allowing room to objectively review tangible progress at the January NEC meeting beginning on Jan. 25,” he said.
He explained that the NEC unanimously agreed to suspend the strike after receiving firm commitments from the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Labour, and Finance, alongside other critical stakeholders.
These include the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Budget Office, Committees of Chief Medical Directors, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Assembly, and the Office of the Vice President.
Ibrahim noted that the commitments were secured following the direct intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Providing updates on NARD’s demands, he said the committee set up to address the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, had implemented its recommendations, while a reconciliation committee was established to promote workplace harmony.
He added that verified lists for the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears had been forwarded to IPPIS, with the Ministry of Labour engaging the Ministry of Finance to ensure prompt payment.
Similar progress, he said, was recorded on the accoutrement allowance, while lists for promotion and salary arrears were transmitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office for immediate action.
The Minister of State for Finance, Ibrahim disclosed, had acknowledged receipt of the lists, with discussions ongoing to fast-track an effective payment plan.
Clarifications on skipping and entry-level placement—recognising CONMESS Three as the entry point—will be communicated to hospital chief executives to ensure uniform implementation.
He further revealed that a multi-stakeholder committee has been constituted to address locum practice and work-hour regulations, with preliminary meetings already held to ensure compliance with national guidelines.
Ibrahim said concrete steps had been taken toward full implementation of the specialist allowance, while efforts were ongoing to resolve house officers’ salary delays and arrears through regulatory engagement.
A separate committee has also been established to handle membership re-categorisation in collaboration with relevant regulators and training institutions to ensure adherence to professional standards.
He added that NARD would work with state and private medical centres to ensure salary and allowance arrears are settled in line with gains made at the federal level.
On professional allowances, Ibrahim said the relevant circular had been released, with full implementation expected to commence with January salaries, while 18 months’ arrears have been captured in the 2026 budget.
He reaffirmed NARD’s commitment to pushing for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for all doctors.
NARD had earlier announced plans to resume strike action from Jan. 12 over unresolved welfare, promotion, allowance and working-condition issues, following the suspension of its nationwide strike in November 2025.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday issued an interim order restraining NARD, its members and agents from embarking on industrial action from Jan. 12, pending a hearing scheduled for Jan. 21.
The suit was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Government against NARD and its leadership to ensure compliance with labour laws.
