The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is expected to suspend its planned nationwide strike after reaching a breakthrough agreement with the Federal Government during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which lasted about three hours, was convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. It was attended by the Ministers of Labour, Health and Finance, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation and other senior government officials.
Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, described the discussions as successful, saying nearly all the issues that prompted the planned industrial action had been resolved.
According to Suleiman, both parties agreed on timelines for addressing salary arrears, promotions, allowances and other welfare-related concerns affecting resident doctors. He also disclosed that the Federal Government directed that house officers’ salaries should be paid before the 10th of every month to prevent future delays.
He further revealed that the Presidency instructed the Ministries of Labour and Health to expedite work on the Collective Bargaining Agreement so that its provisions can be incorporated into the 2027 national budget.
The meeting also addressed the increasing cases of violence against healthcare workers across the country. Suleiman said the Federal Ministry of Health would strengthen security in hospitals and launch public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging attacks on medical personnel.
In addition, the Chief of Staff pledged to support legislation that would classify assaults on health workers as an aggravated offence.
On the issue of unpaid hazard and specialist allowance arrears, the NARD president said the government acknowledged the outstanding liabilities and agreed to establish a timeline for settlement after verifying the figures.
Despite the positive outcome, Suleiman clarified that the planned strike has not been officially suspended. He explained that the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) must first be briefed before a final decision is taken.
“I can’t stand here and tell you I have called off a strike. I have to report all of this back. We sit down. We take a decision,” he said.
However, a source familiar with the meeting disclosed that NARD leaders privately assured the Chief of Staff that the planned strike would be called off following the agreements reached.
The latest development comes just days after NARD announced plans to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on August 10 over unresolved salary arrears, welfare issues and other longstanding concerns affecting resident doctors across Nigeria.
