By Mercy Gadia Adi
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned industrial action that was scheduled to resume on Monday, citing firm commitments from key government stakeholders and the direct intervention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was reached during a virtual emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 11, 2026, where the association reviewed the status of its demands and evaluated progress made through sustained engagements with relevant authorities.
Read Also:NARD Strike: FG Cites ₦90bn Allowance Increase, Blames Structural Constraints
Secretary-General of NARD, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the suspension as strategic and conditional, noting that it was designed to create room for an objective assessment of concrete outcomes at the association’s next NEC meeting slated for January 25, 2026.
In a statement, Ibrahim said the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the resumption of the proposed Total Industrial Care Services (TICS) 2.0 following assurances from critical stakeholders across government.
“This decision is not a retreat from our demands,” he said, “but a deliberate window to verify implementation and measurable outcomes arising from the commitments made, including direct presidential intervention led by the vice-president.”
He explained that the E-NEC extensively reviewed outstanding issues affecting resident doctors nationwide and observed measurable progress on several fronts.
On the lingering crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, Ibrahim disclosed that the matter had been resolved, adding that a reconciliation committee had been constituted to ensure lasting peace.
“The committee, comprising chief medical directors, representatives of the Ministry of Health, and NARD, is tasked with ensuring that all our members remain in FTH Lokoja and with brokering lasting harmony between ARD FTH Lokoja and MDCAN FTH Lokoja to prevent a relapse,” he said.
Addressing the issue of the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, Ibrahim said verified lists had been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), while the Ministry of Labour and Employment had formally written to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate payment.
“NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure these arrears are paid without further delay,” he said, adding that progress had also been recorded on the payment of outstanding accoutrement allowance.
On promotion and salary arrears, the NARD scribe said the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had transmitted relevant lists to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office, with the Minister of State for Finance acknowledging receipt.
“We are now engaging to ensure a clear and expedited payment plan,” he noted.
Ibrahim further said the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had issued a clarification reaffirming CONMESS 3 as the recognised entry level for resident doctors, adding that the Director of Hospital Services would formally communicate this position to hospital chief executives to end lingering ambiguities.
He also disclosed that a multi-stakeholder committee had been established to address practice standards and work-hour regulation, comprising representatives of the Ministry of Health, chief medical directors, the Nigerian Medical Association and NARD, with preliminary activities already underway ahead of its formal inauguration.