The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to suspend its planned nationwide strike after a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and top government officials at the Presidential Villa produced agreements on the association’s key demands.
Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, said both parties agreed on clear timelines to resolve outstanding issues, including salary arrears, promotions, allowances, and welfare. Although he expressed confidence that the dispute had largely been resolved, he said the final decision to call off the strike would be made after consulting the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The Federal Government also agreed to implement the LUTH meal allowance within one week, while a standing directive was issued requiring the salaries of house officers to be paid before the 10th of every month. In addition, the Ministries of Labour and Health were directed to fast-track the completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement so its provisions can be included in the 2027 budget.
NARD also raised concerns over the growing attacks on healthcare workers, revealing that 31 doctors and more than 20 other health workers had been assaulted in the last 10 months. The government pledged to strengthen security in hospitals, launch public awareness campaigns against violence, and support legislation that would make assaults on health workers a more serious criminal offence.
On unpaid hazard and specialist allowance arrears, Dr. Suleiman said discussions showed the outstanding debt was lower than initially estimated, with the Budget Office expected to provide a payment timeline. A source familiar with the meeting disclosed that NARD leaders had privately assured the Presidency that the planned strike would be called off.
The meeting followed NARD’s earlier threat to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on August 10 over unresolved salary arrears, welfare concerns, and other longstanding issues affecting resident doctors across Nigeria.