The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned indefinite nationwide strike after receiving renewed assurances from the Federal Government on the resolution of key welfare issues, particularly the restoration of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
The decision followed an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, where members reviewed recent engagements between government representatives and major stakeholders in the health sector. These interventions were considered significant enough to warrant a temporary suspension of the proposed industrial action.
NARD had earlier announced plans for an indefinite strike in response to the government’s reversal of the updated PAT and other unresolved welfare-related demands affecting resident doctors across the country. However, following fresh commitments from authorities, the association agreed to suspend its action.
According to the NEC, the Federal Government has now agreed to implement the revised allowance structure beginning with April salaries, including the payment of subsequent entitlements. There were also assurances that outstanding promotion arrears and salary backlogs owed to resident doctors in various institutions would be addressed.
In addition, the government has given preliminary approval for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with promises to ensure its full release. The Budget Office also indicated plans to begin the gradual settlement of about 19 months of outstanding professional allowance arrears, a development the association described as encouraging progress.
Despite these assurances, NARD raised concerns over the continued delay in paying house officers, urging the government to convene an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the matter decisively.
After extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to suspend the planned strike and set May’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano as the review point to assess government compliance with the agreements reached.
In a joint statement signed by its leadership, including President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD maintained that it expects full implementation of all commitments, including prompt payment of arrears and timely disbursement of the MRTF, warning that failure to comply could lead to renewed action.
The association also acknowledged the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and other stakeholders whose efforts helped prevent the strike.
The development brings temporary relief to Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has often been disrupted by industrial disputes, though doctors insist that lasting stability depends on full and sustained compliance with agreements.
