The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors says it is set to suspend its planned nationwide strike after reaching agreements with the Federal Government during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, lasted about three hours and involved key government officials, including the Ministers of Labour, Health and Finance, alongside representatives of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General’s office and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, expressed optimism that most of the issues that prompted the strike had been resolved.
“Today, I can tell you, our matters are solved. Timelines have been agreed upon by various agencies of government on salary and promotion issues,” he said.
He noted that agreements were also reached on the implementation of meal allowances for doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), with implementation expected within a week.
According to Suleiman, the government also issued a standing directive to address delays in the payment of salaries for house officers.
“Before the 10th of every month, salaries of house officers must be paid. They should no longer have to wait for another month before receiving their previous month’s salary,” he stated.
On the pending Collective Bargaining Agreement between the association and the Federal Government, Suleiman said the Presidency directed the Ministries of Labour and Health to fast-track discussions so that agreed provisions could be reflected in the 2027 budget.
The NARD president also raised concerns over increasing attacks on health workers, revealing that 31 doctors and more than 20 other health personnel had reportedly been assaulted within the last 10 months.
“The Ministry of Health will issue directives to hospitals to strengthen security and create safer working environments. It will also embark on public enlightenment to discourage assaults on health workers,” he said.
He added that the Chief of Staff had pledged to champion legislation that would classify attacks on health workers as aggravated offences.
On outstanding hazard and specialist allowance arrears, Suleiman explained that although the Federal Government corrected part of the payment earlier this year, some arrears remain unpaid.
“The actual amount is much lower than we initially thought, making it more affordable for government. The Budget Office will provide a timeline for payment,” he said.
Despite the positive outcome of the meeting, Suleiman said he could not immediately announce the cancellation of the proposed strike, explaining that the decision must first be ratified by the association’s National Executive Council.
“I have to report back to the National Executive Council. We will meet, deliberate and take a final decision. The person who invited us for this discussion has always fulfilled his commitments to resident doctors,” he added.
However, a source familiar with the discussions disclosed that the association had privately assured the Presidency that the planned industrial action would be suspended following the agreements reached.
NARD had earlier announced plans to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike from August 10 over unresolved salary arrears, welfare concerns and other longstanding issues affecting resident doctors across the country.
