The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike following the Federal Government’s reversal of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and renewed commitments on outstanding payments.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.
NARD had earlier threatened a nationwide indefinite strike over the suspension of the revised allowance structure and other unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors.
However, the association said it reconsidered its position after assessing the outcomes of engagements with government officials and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The communiqué, signed by NARD President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, confirmed that the Federal Government had reversed its earlier stance on the allowance framework.
“The NEC observed that the earlier decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in the April salary and beyond,” the statement read.
The association also noted fresh assurances from the government regarding the settlement of outstanding promotion arrears and unpaid salaries owed to resident doctors across affected institutions.
In addition, NARD disclosed that initial approval had been granted for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with commitments to complete the disbursement process.
“The NEC observed that the Budget Office has indicated its readiness to commence the process for the payment of the outstanding nineteen months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance,” the communiqué added.
Despite these developments, the doctors expressed concern over delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, urging the authorities to address the issue promptly.
Following its deliberations, the NEC called for sustained implementation of the revised allowance structure, immediate payment of all arrears, and expedited release of the residency training fund.
It also demanded the commencement of the process to clear the 19-month arrears and the convening of an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to resolve outstanding issues affecting house officers.
“In light of the above developments, the NEC resolves to suspend the proposed total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action, with a review of progress to be undertaken at the May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano,” the statement said.
NARD further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as ministers, government agencies, and other stakeholders for their roles in addressing the dispute.
