THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the federal government.
News Point Nigeria reports that NARD had on November 1 declared a “total, comprehensive and indefinite” strike to demand better pay, settlement of salary arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing and critical hospital infrastructure.
The doctors also cited overwhelming workloads that they said undermine the quality of care in public hospitals.
In a post on X late on Saturday, NARD president Mohammad Suleiman announced that the union’s National Executive Council voted to suspend the industrial action.
“The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has resolved to suspend the ongoing total, indefinite and comprehensive strike action,” he wrote.
Suleiman said the decision followed a series of conciliatory meetings with government officials and the signing of a memorandum of understanding that captures progress on NARD’s 19-point demand.
He listed outstanding issues including the compilation of promotion arrears by chief medical directors and medical directors with a four-week deadline for payment.
Salary arrears are also expected to be cleared within four weeks, he said, adding that the office of the head of the civil service has issued guidance on specialist allowance implementation, to be handled by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The NARD president said a committee has recommended the reinstatement of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full implementation due in two weeks.
He also noted that processes are underway for the payment of the 25 and 35 percent allowances, as well as the accoutrement allowance.
