NARD suspends strike after government assurances, reviews set for January
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, originally scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026. The suspension is conditional and will be reviewed at the association’s next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on January 25.
The decision followed a virtual Emergency NEC meeting held on January 11, where the association assessed ongoing negotiations with government agencies and progress on its outstanding demands.
NARD said commitments from key stakeholders—including the Federal Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance; the Office of the Head of the Civil Service; the Office of the Accountant-General; IPPIS; the Budget Office; chief medical directors; the National Assembly; and the Department of State Services—influenced the decision. Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting for President Bola Tinubu, also intervened.
“NARD’s NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the resumption of TICS 2.0. This suspension is strategic and conditional, allowing room to review tangible progress at the January NEC meeting,” the association said.
Progress has been recorded on several fronts, including the resolution of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja crisis, verification of outstanding CONMESS arrears, and the submission of promotion and salary arrears lists to the Ministry of Finance and Budget Office for expedited processing.
A multi-stakeholder committee has been set up to address locum practice and work-hour regulations, while steps are being taken to implement specialist allowances. Welfare issues affecting house officers, membership re-categorisation, and arrears in state and private facilities are also being addressed.
NARD had initially announced the strike due to the government’s failure to implement agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding with resident doctors. However, the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an order restraining the doctors from proceeding with the strike, following a motion filed by the Federal Government.
The association said it would continue to closely monitor developments and ensure that government commitments are fully implemented before deciding on further industrial action.
