The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned strike originally set to begin on January 12, 2026. The decision was announced by NARD Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, following a national executive council meeting.
NARD had earlier declared its intention to strike after an emergency national executive council meeting on January 2. The national industrial court in Abuja had also issued an interim injunction on January 9, restraining members from engaging in any strike or industrial action.
In the latest development, NARD confirmed that the decision to suspend the strike came after reviewing the status of their demands and assessing progress made through engagements with relevant stakeholders.
The association cited firm commitments from key stakeholders, facilitated by the intervention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as a primary reason for halting the industrial action.
Among the resolutions, NARD noted that a reconciliation committee involving CCMDs, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW), and NARD had been established to ensure stability for members at Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja and to foster harmony between NARD and MDCAN staff at the facility.
Verified staff lists have been forwarded to IPPIS, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate prompt payments.
The association emphasized that engagement with stakeholders will continue to ensure compliance and expedited resolution of outstanding issues, while hospital executives have been instructed to communicate clarifications from the Office of the Head of Civil Service regarding recognized entry-level positions.
NARD’s suspension of the strike marks a temporary reprieve, with ongoing follow-up planned to safeguard members’ rights and welfare.
