The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned ‘Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike’ (TICS 2.0) initially set for Monday, January 12, following direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was announced Sunday by NARD Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, after a virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) reviewed progress on key demands.
The NEC agreed to suspend the strike conditionally, allowing time to assess tangible progress at its January 25 meeting.
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Ibrahim disclosed that firm commitments were secured from key government stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance.
He added that the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja crisis resolution committee has implemented recommendations and established a reconciliation committee.
Ibrahim also disclosed that verified lists for outstanding 25 and 35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears were sent to IPPIS for payment and progress on accoutrement allowance, promotion, and salary arrears lists were transmitted to the Ministry of Finance and Budget Office.
He stated that clarification on entry-level placement, recognising CONMESS Three as the entry point, will be communicated to all hospital chief executives for uniform understanding.
Ibrahim said a multi-stakeholder committee has been constituted to address locum practice and work-hour regulations, with preliminary meetings already underway to ensure adherence to national guidelines.
He added that concrete steps have been taken toward full implementation of the specialist allowance, while interventions continue to address house officers’ salary delays and arrears through regulatory engagement.
A separate committee, he said, has been set up to manage membership re-categorisation in collaboration with relevant regulators and training institutions, ensuring compliance with professional standards.
Ibrahim said NARD would work with state and private medical centres to ensure salary and allowance arrears are cleared in line with federal gains.
Regarding professional allowances, he added the relevant circular had been released, with complete implementation expected from January salaries and 18 months’ arrears included in the 2026 budget.
He affirmed that the association would continue pushing for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for all doctors.
The association had planned to resume strike action over unresolved welfare, promotion, allowance, and work-condition issues, but the National Industrial Court restrained the strike pending a January 21 hearing.