Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to fully implement outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances and welfare, even as it extended the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS).

The decision was reached at the end of the Association’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference, held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the Association described the extension of the strike suspension as a goodwill gesture in recognition of what it termed modest progress by the Federal Government.

“In recognition of the progress made by the Federal Government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike for a further period of four weeks,” the communiqué stated.

NARD expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other key stakeholders for their roles in ongoing engagements aimed at resolving the issues.

The January NEC meeting, the Association’s first statutory gathering for the year, was held alongside a scientific conference on January 27 at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos. The conference, themed “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health,” was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, represented by Dr Peace Longdet.

The event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Piwuna Christopher, and was attended by several dignitaries, including the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Jacob Gyang, who was represented. Leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and chief medical directors of major health institutions were also in attendance.

Following deliberations, the NEC acknowledged the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and commended the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) over the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears. IPPIS, according to NARD, assured that efforts were ongoing to clear the arrears within two weeks.

The Association also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to relevant authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be expedited.

However, NARD expressed concern over delays in circulating the directive affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors. It also decried the non-payment of the Professional Allowance captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent salary arrears across several health institutions.

The Association further warned of deteriorating industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent intervention. It also renewed its demands for improved welfare, timely release of training funds and increased investment in health infrastructure across the country.