By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike following the Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and renewed assurances on outstanding payments.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.
The association had earlier resolved to embark on a total and indefinite strike over the suspension of the reviewed allowance structure and other unresolved welfare concerns affecting resident doctors nationwide. However, it said it reconsidered its position after reviewing outcomes from high-level engagements with government officials and health-sector stakeholders.
According to the communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the Federal Government has reversed its earlier decision on the allowance table.
The NEC noted that implementation of the reviewed PAT is expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent payments. It also acknowledged the government’s renewed commitment to settling outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.
NARD further disclosed that initial approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with assurances that the disbursement process would be concluded. It added that the Budget Office has indicated readiness to commence payment of the outstanding 19-month arrears of the Professional Allowance.
Despite the progress, the association expressed concern over delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries and called for urgent intervention.
Following its deliberations, the NEC demanded sustained implementation of the reviewed allowance structure, prompt payment of all outstanding arrears, expedited disbursement of the residency training fund, and immediate commencement of the process to clear the 19-month arrears. It also called for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address salary delays affecting house officers.
“In light of the above developments, the NEC resolves to suspend the proposed total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action, with a review of progress to be undertaken at the May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano,” the communiqué stated.
NARD expressed appreciation to Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, as well as ministers, government agencies and other stakeholders for their interventions in resolving the dispute.
