The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has communicated a four- week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve different outstanding agreements related to salaries, allowances, and welfare. They highlighted that a lack of action could initiate a new wave of industrial action.
This resolution was reached following the association's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held in Jos, Plateau State, from January 25 to January 29, 2026.
In a communiqué signed by President Mohammad Suleiman, NARD emphasized that the four-week period was a final chance for the government to respond to their demands.
The NEC has called for the quick settlement of the remaining 25 and 35 percent CONMESS arrears along with other associated allowance arrears, which the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) had committed to clearing within two weeks.
The association acknowledged the involvement of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and IPPIS, crediting them for progress seen in Terms of clearing salary arrears and re-employing doctors who were dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
NARD also noted that promotion arrears have been submitted to the proper authorities, with reassurances from the Minister of Finance that these payments would be executed soon.
“The NEC requests prompt payment of all promotion arrears already submitted to the respective authorities, in accordance with the Minister of Finance's assurances for payment within the next four weeks,” the statement indicated.
However, the association raised concerns over delays regarding the issuance of directives affirming CONMESS 3 as the sanctioned entry level for medical doctors, alongside the non-payment of professional allowances mandated by the 2026 Appropriation Act.
They also voiced their frustration about the ongoing build-up of salary arrears at various federal health institutions, warning of deteriorating industrial relations specifically at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
“The NEC insists on the expedited settlement of all outstanding salary arrears owed to distinct centres, which have already been sent to the Federal Ministry of Finance for processing, within the set four-week deadline,” added the communiqué.
The resident doctors decided to prolong the pause on their scheduled strike action as a gesture of goodwill, allowing the government additional time to respond adequately.
“Following extensive discussions and in light of the progress made by the Federal Government, the NEC has resolved to further extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike for another four weeks to ensure the complete fulfillment of the association’s requirements,” they stated.
Previously, NARD had called off plans for a strike set to commence on January 12, after receiving firm commitments from key stakeholders, following intervention by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
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