Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have suspended its planned strike earlier scheduled to begin on January 12.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was announced on Sunday in a statement signed by the association’s secretary-general, Shuaibu Ibrahim.
The association had declared the industrial action after an emergency national executive council meeting held on January 2, citing unresolved welfare and salary-related concerns affecting its members across federal health institutions.
The planned strike, however, faced a setback after the national industrial court in Abuja issued an interim injunction on January 9, restraining resident doctors from embarking on any strike or related action.
Following another emergency national executive council meeting held on January 11, NARD said it reviewed the status of its demands and assessed progress made through discussions with key government agencies.
The association said the suspension followed firm commitments from relevant stakeholders, aided by the intervention of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
According to the statement, reports from committees set up by the federal ministry of health and social welfare have largely been implemented, while a new reconciliation committee involving hospital chief medical directors, the ministry, and NARD has been constituted to resolve lingering disputes at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. The committee is expected to ensure stability and harmonious working relations within the institution.
NARD also confirmed that verified payment lists have been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, with the ministry of labour engaging the ministry of finance to facilitate outstanding payments. The association said it would continue to monitor the process to ensure salaries are paid without further delay.
In addition, the ministry of health has transmitted relevant documents to the ministry of finance and the budget office, with assurances from the minister of state for finance that the matter is receiving attention.
The association added that hospital managements have been directed to recognise CONMESS 3 as the official entry level for resident doctors, in line with existing civil service guidelines.
NARD noted that it remains committed to dialogue and warned that it would reassess its position if agreed timelines and commitments are not fully honoured.
