NARD ISSUES FOUR-WEEK ULTIMATUM TO FG, EXTENDS STRIKE SUSPENSION
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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to fully implement outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances and welfare, while extending the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS).
The decision was reached at the end of the Association’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference, held between January 25 and 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the Association said the extension of the strike suspension was a “goodwill gesture” in recognition of progress made by the Federal Government in addressing its demands.
“In recognition of the progress made by the Federal Government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike for a further period of four weeks,” the communiqué stated.
NARD expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other key stakeholders for their roles in ongoing engagements aimed at resolving the disputes.
The NEC meeting, which marked the Association’s first statutory gathering for the year, was held alongside a scientific conference on January 27 at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos. The conference, themed “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health,” was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, represented by Dr Peace Longdet.
The event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Piwuna Christopher, and attracted several dignitaries, including the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Jacob Gyang, who was represented. Leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and chief medical directors of major health institutions were also in attendance.
Following deliberations, the NEC acknowledged the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and commended the interventions of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) regarding outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears. IPPIS, according to NARD, assured the Association that efforts were underway to clear the arrears within two weeks.
The Association also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be expedited.
However, NARD expressed concern over delays in circulating the directive affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors. It also decried the non-payment of the Professional Allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent salary arrears across several health institutions.
The Association warned of deteriorating industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent intervention. It further urged the government to prioritise improved welfare, timely release of training funds and renewed investment in health infrastructure nationwide.
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