By Ayomide Otitoju
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following “significant progress” on its demands through sustained engagements with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
The decision was announced after a virtual Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on January 11, 2026, where the association reviewed developments on its pending issues. NARD said the suspension followed direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
“The NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the resumption of TICS 2.0 based on firm commitments from critical stakeholders and the direct presidential intervention,” NARD Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim said. The suspension is strategic and conditional, allowing the NEC to assess tangible progress at its next meeting scheduled for January 25, 2026.
The association expressed appreciation to its members and stakeholders for their support and said it is confident the Vice President’s intervention will lead to lasting solutions for Nigeria’s health sector.
On the lingering crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, NARD said an earlier committee report has been implemented, while a new reconciliation committee has been set up to restore harmony among medical professionals at the facility.
NARD also reported progress on the payment of outstanding CONMESS arrears, accoutrement allowances, promotions, salary arrears, entry-level placements, locum practice, specialist allowances, and house officers’ welfare. However, Dr. Ibrahim noted that more than 2,000 members are yet to receive the 25–35 per cent CONMESS arrears despite government claims that payments have been settled.
The suspension comes a day after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria issued an interim order restraining doctors from commencing the “TICS 2.0” strike, scheduled for January 12, 2026. Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the order following a motion ex parte filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation, aimed at averting a shutdown of the health sector over unresolved welfare and professional concerns.
