The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a four-week deadline to fully implement pending agreements related to salaries, allowances, and overall welfare, while extending the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS).
The decision was reached at the conclusion of NARD’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference, which took place from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
A communiqué signed by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, expressed the Association’s gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and other key stakeholders for their involvement in ongoing discussions.
NARD described the extension of the strike suspension as a “goodwill gesture” in light of what it called “progress” made by the Federal Government in addressing the demands of Nigerian resident doctors. The communiqué read, “In recognition of the progress made by the Federal Government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike for a further period of four weeks.”
The meeting, which marked the first statutory gathering of NARD for 2026, was held alongside a scientific conference themed ‘Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health’. Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, was represented by Dr. Peace Longdet, and the event was chaired by Piwuna Christopher, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Dignitaries in attendance included the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Jacob Gyang, who was represented, along with leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and chief medical directors of major health institutions.
During the meeting, NARD acknowledged the reinstatement of doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), for progress on outstanding allowances, including the 25% and 35% CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears. IPPIS assured the Association that efforts were underway to clear the arrears within two weeks.
NARD also reported that promotion and salary arrears had been submitted to relevant authorities, with the Minister of Finance promising swift action on the payments.
Despite these developments, the Association expressed concern about delays in circulating the directive that CONMESS 3 would be the approved entry-level salary for medical doctors. Additionally, NARD raised concerns over the non-payment of the Professional Allowance outlined in the 2026 Appropriation Act and the continued backlog of salary payments at various health institutions.
The Association further warned of escalating industrial relations issues at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for immediate action to address these concerns. NARD also advocated for improved welfare, timely release of training funds, and renewed investment in health infrastructure across the country.
