Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After FG Reinstates Allowances And Promises Arrears Payments

Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After FG Reinstates Allowances And Promises Arrears Payments

Resident doctors suspend nationwide strike after government reinstates allowances, promises arrears payments, and commits to resolving outstanding welfare issues.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments by the federal government to address key welfare concerns, including the reinstatement of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT).

The decision was reached at an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), held Saturday, where members assessed recent high-level interventions by top government officials and critical stakeholders in the health sector.

NARD had earlier resolved to embark on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s reversal of the reviewed PAT and other lingering welfare issues.

However, the NEC said it was persuaded to reconsider the action after the government reversed its earlier position, with implementation of the allowance now expected to reflect April salaries and subsequent payments.

The council also noted renewed assurances from the government to clear outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors across affected institutions, as well as initial approval for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with a commitment to ensure its full disbursement.

Additionally, the Budget Office has indicated readiness to commence the process for settling the backlog of 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance, a development NARD described as a significant step toward resolving long-standing grievances.

Despite the progress, the association expressed concern over the continued delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries, calling for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address the issue and reach a definitive resolution.

Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to suspend the proposed strike action while setting a timeline to review the level of government compliance at its May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), scheduled to be held in Kano.

The association, in a statement by its president, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman; secretary general, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and publicity and social secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, however, maintained a firm stance, demanding sustained implementation of the reviewed PAT, prompt payment of all arrears, and expedited release of the MRTF, warning that failure to meet these commitments could trigger further action.

NARD also acknowledged the roles played by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, lawmakers, and other key stakeholders whose interventions helped to avert the industrial action.

“I went on national television to debunk the allegations made against me,” she said.

“I was accused of terrorism, and I had every right to defend myself before the Nigerian public.

“If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me,” she explained.

Akpoti-Uduaghan added that the court failed to consider the evidence she presented in support of her claims.

“I reject this judgment in totality,” she said.

“We presented enough evidence before the court to justify our position, but it is clear that these were not properly evaluated,” she added.

She drew attention to the security situation in Kogi State during Bello’s stint as governor, alleging that many families were still grieving from losses suffered during the period.

“There were numerous killings in Kogi State, especially in Kogi central, while he was governor,” she said.

“Many families have continued to cry daily over the loss of their loved ones. These are real issues that cannot be ignored.”

The senator reiterated that her comments were made in the interest of truth and accountability, reiterating that she intended to bring attention to the plight of the affected communities.

“My comments were rooted in the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power,” she added.

“This matter does not end here. We will seek redress at the Court of Appeal to ensure that justice prevails.”