The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to suspend its planned nationwide strike after reaching a comprehensive agreement with the Federal Government over salary arrears, welfare issues and other longstanding demands.
Newsonspot reports that the breakthrough followed a three-hour high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Labour, Health and Finance, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation and other senior government officials.
Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, said the discussions successfully resolved nearly all the issues that had prompted the association to threaten an indefinite nationwide strike.
According to him, both parties agreed on clear timelines for the payment of salary arrears, promotions, allowances and other welfare benefits owed to resident doctors. He also disclosed that the Federal Government directed that house officers’ salaries must be paid on or before the 10th of every month to eliminate payment delays.
Suleiman further revealed that the Presidency instructed the Ministries of Labour and Health to fast-track the completion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with the aim of incorporating its provisions into the 2027 national budget.
The meeting also focused on the growing attacks on healthcare workers across the country. The Federal Ministry of Health, he said, will strengthen hospital security and launch nationwide public awareness campaigns to discourage violence against medical personnel.
In addition, the Chief of Staff pledged to sponsor legislation that would classify attacks on healthcare workers as an aggravated offence, providing stronger legal protection for medical professionals.
On the issue of unpaid hazard and specialist allowances, Suleiman said the government acknowledged the outstanding liabilities and agreed to establish a timeline for payment after verifying the actual figures.
Despite the progress recorded, the NARD president stressed that the planned strike has not been officially suspended, explaining that the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) must first review the resolutions before making a final decision.
“I can’t stand here and tell you I have called off a strike. I have to report all of this back. We sit down. We take a decision,” Suleiman said.
However, a source familiar with the meeting disclosed that NARD leaders privately assured the Chief of Staff that the planned industrial action would be suspended following the agreements reached.
NARD had earlier announced plans to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on August 10 over unresolved salary arrears, welfare concerns and other issues affecting resident doctors. The latest agreement is expected to avert the strike if endorsed by the association’s NEC.
