The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its one-month-old nationwide strike, warning that industrial action will resume if the Federal Government fails to fully meet its demands within the agreed timelines.
The suspension was announced in a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity/Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, issued after an Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) virtual meeting and made available to journalists.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Suleiman acknowledged the intervention of political leaders, professional bodies, and other stakeholders, stating that their efforts contributed significantly to the temporary suspension of the strike.
“We appreciate the commitment shown so far, but government must not relent. Our demands must be met for peace to reign in the health sector,” he stated.
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NEC Review and Key Observations
The NEC reviewed the status of the ongoing strike, which began on 1 November 2025, following what NARD describes as the Federal Government’s failure to implement previous agreements. The association said the strike had taken a toll on both its members and Nigerians in need of medical care.
Key resolutions and observations include:
1. Payment of 7-Month Arrears of 25% / 35% CONMESS Adjustment
The NEC noted that IPPIS had paid up to December 2023, except for doctors affected by banking issues and omissions. IPPIS is expected to collaborate with NARD to reconcile and clear outstanding payments.
2. 2024 Accoutrement Allowance
IPPIS has reportedly paid a significant portion of the allowance and will work with NARD to address any pending issues.
3. Reinstatement of Five Disengaged Resident Doctors in FTH Lokoja
The report of the Ministerial Committee has been submitted. Stakeholders agreed that its recommendations will be fully implemented within two weeks from 27 November 2025.
4. Prolonged Call Duty Hours
The Federal Ministry of Health has issued an advisory discouraging prolonged call rotations without rest and encouraging consultants to take greater responsibility. A central taskforce involving NARD, CMDs, MDCAN, and FMoH will develop a guiding policy within two months.
5. Manpower Shortage and Increased Workload
The Minister of Health has written to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to fast-track implementation of the “one-for-one” replacement policy. Feedback is expected by 28 November 2025.
6. Promotion Arrears for Medical Officers
Lists of affected officers are to be forwarded to the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Finance for payment within one month.
7. House Officers and Scheme of Service
The NEC noted agreements to promptly transmit all CONMESS-related benefits to MDCN for implementation.
8. Universal Application of CONMESS
The Federal Ministry of Health is to ensure uniform application of CONMESS across all MDAs under its supervision.
9. Professional Allowance Circular
The NEC confirmed the release of the corrected circular.
10. Casualisation Through Locum Engagements
The Ministry of Health is to standardise locum appointments to prevent abuse, ensuring renewable six-month terms and priority consideration during regular recruitment. A joint committee (FMoH, MDCAN, NARD) will develop a policy within two months.
11. Specialist Allowance for Resident Doctors
OHCSF has issued necessary directives, while NSIWC is expected to take further action toward full implementation.
12. Entry Point Downgrading and Skipping Issues
NEC noted the resolution of the entry-level dispute. The Ministry of Health will write to the Accountant-General’s office to ensure a seamless upgrading process for affected resident doctors.
13. CBA Committee Delays
The Ministry of Labour has pledged to expedite work on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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Strike Suspended for 4 Weeks — With Warning
After reviewing all updates, NARD NEC resolved to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow for monitoring of the implementation of agreements.
However, the association issued a stern warning:
> “Failure by the government to fully implement the agreed demands within the stipulated period will lead to the lifting of the suspension and the immediate resumption of a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike,” the communiqué stated.
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