Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Nationwide Strike After Federal Government Intervention

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, known as TICS 2.0, following firm commitments from key government stakeholders and direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the decision is reached during a virtual Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 11, 2026, where the association reviews the status of its long-standing demands and assesses progress made through sustained engagements with relevant authorities.

Secretary-General of NARD, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the suspension as “strategic and conditional,” stressing that it is intended to provide room for an objective evaluation of concrete progress at the association’s next NEC meeting scheduled for January 25, 2026.

According to Ibrahim, the NEC unanimously resolves to suspend the resumption of TICS 2.0 based on “firm commitments from critical stakeholders across government and direct presidential intervention led by the Vice President.” 

He emphasized that the decision does not signal a withdrawal of demands but rather a temporary pause to verify implementation and measurable outcomes.

During the meeting, the NEC extensively reviews all outstanding issues affecting resident doctors and notes progress on several fronts. On the lingering crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, Ibrahim says the report of an earlier committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been implemented. 

He added that a new reconciliation committee, comprising chief medical directors, the Ministry of Health and NARD, has been constituted to ensure that resident doctors remain at the facility and to foster lasting harmony between the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the hospital.

On the long-standing 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears, Ibrahim disclosed that verified lists of affected doctors have been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). 

He said the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has formally written to the Ministry of Finance, with attention to IPPIS, to facilitate payment. Similar progress, he notes, has been recorded on the issue of outstanding accoutrement allowance.

Addressing promotion and salary arrears, the NARD secretary-general said that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has transmitted the necessary lists to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. 

He confirmed that the Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged receipt and that engagements are ongoing to ensure an expedited payment plan.

On concerns surrounding skipping and entry-level placement, Ibrahim said that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has issued a clarification reaffirming CONMESS 3 as the recognised entry level for resident doctors. 

He added that the Director of Hospital Services is expected to formally communicate this clarification to hospital chief executives to eliminate lingering ambiguities.

Ibrahim also revealed that a multi-stakeholder committee has been set up to address locum practice and work-hour regulation, involving the Ministry of Health, chief medical directors, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and NARD, with preliminary activities already underway.

On specialist allowance, he said that concrete steps have been taken toward full implementation, while the welfare of house officers has received renewed attention through the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 

He added that the Ministry of Health will formally engage the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to liaise with IPPIS on salary delays, arrears and the issuance of pay advisories.

The NARD secretary-general further disclosed that a committee chaired by the Director of Hospital Services has been constituted to address membership re-categorisation, engaging the MDCN, chief medical directors, postgraduate colleges and NARD.

Regarding salary and allowance arrears in state and private health facilities, Ibrahim said that the association will work closely with affected centres to ensure arrears are cleared and that gains achieved at the federal level are replicated across states.

On the professional allowance table, he confirmed that the relevant circular has been released and that the Ministry of Health has written to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for full implementation beginning with the January salary. He adds that assurances have been received that the 18-month arrears will be captured in the 2026 budget.

Ibrahim said NARD will continue to press for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

He expressed appreciation to NARD organs and members nationwide for their support and commends stakeholders for what he describes as invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts. 

According to him, the association remains confident that the timely and decisive intervention of the Vice President will lead to a lasting resolution of the long-standing challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.