Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike After MoU With Federal Government
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike for a period of four weeks, marking a cautious step toward resolving longstanding tensions between the association and the Federal Government. The decision was reached on Saturday night during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, following several conciliatory engagements and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, President of NARD, confirmed the development, describing the suspension as a “gesture of good faith” aimed at allowing the government time to implement unresolved components of the association’s 19-point demand. He emphasized that the suspension does not signal an end to the struggle but an opportunity for the government to act responsibly within the agreed timelines.
According to Suleiman, while progress was made in the MoU, several critical issues remain pending. Among these is the payment of promotion arrears, currently being compiled by Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors across federal health institutions. The government has committed to meeting this obligation within four weeks. Salary arrears have also been assigned the same deadline, reflecting the urgency of outstanding remuneration owed to medical personnel.
On the matter of specialist allowances, Suleiman explained that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation had issued directives for implementation, while the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is expected to complete the process. Progress has also been recorded in resolving the long-standing case of the “Lokoja 5,” with reabsorption into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja expected within two weeks.
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The NARD President noted that several issues had already been resolved, including correction of failed payments for the 25/35 percent allowance and accoutrement allowance, release of the Postgraduate Training Allowance, and settlement of disputes regarding entry-level placement and skipping. Issues affecting house officers were also concluded, signaling improvements in the welfare of early-career doctors.
In a significant step, CMDs and MDs have been instructed to halt what Suleiman described as “obnoxious clauses” in locum contracts. Nationwide advisories on limiting excessive call hours and ensuring adequate rest for resident doctors have also been issued. Committees on locum engagement and work-hour regulation are expected to produce new working policies within two months.
Suleiman further disclosed that the Collective Bargaining Agreement process would resume shortly, alongside discussions regarding consultant cadre progression for other health professionals and reconvening of the special pensions committee.
Despite acknowledging missteps along the journey, Suleiman commended members for their resilience, clarifying that any mistakes should be placed squarely on his shoulders as president. He vowed to use the four-week window to intensify advocacy and ensure full implementation of all pending items in the MoU.
He issued a clear warning: if the Federal Government fails to fully implement key items—labelled A, B, C, and D—within the agreed timeframe, the strike will resume in full force.
The countdown to the deadline begins Monday, marking a critical period for both parties. Suleiman urged members to remain united, vigilant, and resolute, reminding them that the struggle is not yet over.
While reactions across public platforms have varied—from relief and gratitude to frustration, anger, and political commentary—there is widespread acknowledgment of the toll the strike took on patients nationwide. Many Nigerians expressed hope that the government will honour its commitments to avoid further disruptions in the health sector.