The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the federal government four weeks to properly carry out agreements on pay, benefits, and welfare. At the same time, NARD has extended the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS).
Channels TV said that the decision was made at the end of the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference, which took place in Jos, Plateau State, from January 25 to 29, 2026.
In a letter signed by NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the group thanked President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and other important people for their help with ongoing talks.
NARD claimed that the strike suspension would be extended for another four weeks as a “goodwill gesture” to show that it recognized what it called “progress” achieved by the federal government.
The NEC said in a statement, “In recognition of the progress made by the federal government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike will be extended for another four weeks.”
The National NEC meeting for NARD in January was its first official meeting of the year. It took place in the Eliel Centre in Gold and Base, Jos, Plateau State, on January 27.
Dr. Peace Longdet spoke on behalf of Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, during the conference. The theme was “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health.”
Piwuna Christopher, the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), led the celebration. Many important people came, including His Royal Majesty Jacob Gyang, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) leaders and chief medical directors of major health institutions were also there.
After a lot of discussion, the NEC agreed to bring back doctors who had been let go from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja. They also praised the work of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in getting the outstanding 25 and 35 percent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears paid.
The Association was told by IPPIS that work was still going on to pay off the debts within two weeks.
NARD also said that promotion and salary back pay had been sent to the right people, and the Minister of Finance had promised that payments will be sped up.
The Association, on the other hand, was worried about how long it was taking to send out the order that CONMESS 3 was the acceptable entrance level for medical doctors.
It also complained about the non-payment of the Professional Allowance that was included in the 2026 Appropriation Act and the fact that many health institutions are still behind on their salaries.
The Association cautioned that things were getting worse between workers and management at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. They also called for better welfare, faster distribution of training funding, and more investment in health facilities across the country.
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