Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Resident doctors in Nigeria suspend their planned nationwide strike following fresh commitments from the Federal Government, easing fears of disruption to public healthcare services.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announces on Sunday that it has suspended the resumption of its “Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike” (TICS 2.0), which was scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12.
In a statement after an emergency virtual meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), NARD Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, says the decision follows progress recorded during engagements with key government stakeholders.
“The suspension is strategic and conditional, allowing space to objectively assess tangible progress at the NEC meeting starting January 25,” Ibrahim says.
He explains that the NEC unanimously agrees to halt the strike after receiving firm assurances from the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Labour, and Finance, alongside several other agencies.
According to Ibrahim, the breakthrough follows direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
NARD says recommendations arising from the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja crisis have been implemented, while a reconciliation committee is now in place to address workplace grievances.
Outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears have been verified and forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), with the Ministry of Labour engaging the Ministry of Finance to fast-track payment.
The association also confirms progress on accoutrement allowances, promotion and salary arrears, specialist allowances, and house officers’ delayed salaries.
A multi-stakeholder committee has been set up to regulate locum practice and doctors’ work hours, while a separate body is addressing membership re-categorisation in line with professional standards.
The suspension comes amid a National Industrial Court order restraining NARD from embarking on industrial action pending a hearing scheduled for January 21.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Hussaini Ibrahim