Resident doctors suspend indefinite strike

At the meeting, the association reviewed recent developments, including high-level engagements with government officials.

The suspension of the strike, according to a communique jointly signed by the NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; the Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, is a demonstration of goodwill in response to ongoing interventions by senior government figures.

The association’s NEC stated that it would reassess the situation at the end of the two-week window and may resume the suspended strike if its demands are not met.

The meeting followed earlier alleged Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and other unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.

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The decision of the council followed the interventions by Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; the Minister of Finace and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NARD noted that the engagements signalled a willingness by the government to address the concerns of resident doctors.

But the association’s NEC said critical issues remained unresolved, including delayed payment of promotion arrears, salary arrears, the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and 19 months’ outstanding arrears of the Professional Allowance.

It reiterated its demands, calling for the immediate reversal of the decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed PAT, payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears, prompt disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, and full settlement of the outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.

NARD warned that failure by the Federal Government to take “concrete, measurable, and verifiable steps” within the stipulated timeframe would lead to a resumption of the suspended strike without further notice.

The association’s NEC also urged its members across the country to remain calm, united and committed during the period of engagement.

Expressing appreciation to government officials and stakeholders involved in the ongoing discussions, the association urged them to ensure timely implementation of agreed resolutions.