Resident doctors suspend strike, give Nigerian govt 4 weeks to meet demands

 

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has ended its month-long nationwide strike, stepping back from the industrial action 29 days after it commenced on Nov. 1.

NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the suspension in a post on his X handle, @mohagirei, on Saturday. The announcement followed an extraordinary meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).

According to Suleiman, the decision was reached after “a series of conciliatory meetings” with Federal Government officials, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that reviewed progress on the union’s 19-point demands.

He noted that unresolved matters such as payment of promotion arrears remained a priority, adding that Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors were still finalising the compilation of outstanding figures. A four-week deadline has now been set for the payments.

Suleiman also disclosed that salary arrears were expected to be cleared within the same timeframe as agreed in the MoU.

On issues relating to specialist allowance, he said the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had already issued clear directives, while the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission would now take steps toward implementation.

He further highlighted that the committee reviewing the case of the “Lokoja Five”—resident doctors disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja—had recommended their reinstatement, with full implementation expected within two weeks.

Suleiman added that both sides were close to resolving matters involving failed or omitted payments under the 25/35 per cent salary review and the accoutrement allowance. He said centre leaders were still submitting lists of residents due for upgrade, a step necessary to conclude the process. The Post-Assessment Tool (PAT) has already been released.

He explained that issues surrounding skipping and entry-level placement had now been settled following directives from the OHCSF, while all pending concerns affecting house officers had been resolved as well.

The NARD president said an interim instruction had also gone out to CMDs and MDs to halt what the association described as “obnoxious clauses” in locum contracts. Furthermore, facility heads had been advised to reduce excessive call duties and ensure doctors receive adequate rest.

Committees tasked with reviewing the locum policy and work-hour regulations are expected to deliver comprehensive policy documents within two months.

Suleiman said that although progress had been achieved, the Collective Bargaining Agreement process would resume soon, and discussions over consultant cadre matters for other health professionals would be included. He added that the special pensions committee would also reconvene.

He explained that the NEC resolved to halt the strike for four weeks “to allow room and show this uncommon gesture while we follow up implementation.

“Progress has been made, significantly, and this is simply because of the efforts and convictions of NARDites across the country.

“Mistakes have also been made. Kindly rest those mistakes solely on my shoulders as president.”

He said the next four weeks would involve continuous engagement with Nigerians and the Federal Government.

“Failure to ensure the full implementation of the above A, B, C, D, will mean the lifting of the suspension on the strike action by NEC and the resumption of the strike.

“The countdown for the four weeks shall start on Monday and shall be a daily reminder to Nigerians and the Federal Government to adequately use this ‘four weeks window’ justly and fully,” he said.

The Nov. 1 strike—NARD’s latest industrial action—was triggered by unpaid arrears, delayed promotions, allowances, manpower shortages and other welfare-related concerns.