The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has decided to postpone its planned nationwide industrial action for a period of two weeks. This decision follows a high-level intervention led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, which secured firm commitments from critical government stakeholders.
Presidential Intervention Halts Immediate Strike
In a significant development for Nigeria's healthcare sector, the resident doctors' union opted for a temporary suspension of its Total Comprehensive and Indefinite Strike (TICS 2.0). The association's Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, signed a communiqué detailing the resolution, which was reached during a virtual emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on January 11, 2026.
The NEC meeting was convened to review the status of the association's long-standing demands and to assess progress made from ongoing discussions with relevant authorities. The doctors expressed confidence that the timely intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead to a lasting resolution of the protracted challenges facing the health sector.
Conditions and Key Progress Points
The association emphasized that the two-week suspension is strategic and conditional. It provides a window for an objective review of tangible progress at the next NEC meeting, scheduled to commence on January 25, 2026. NARD has vowed to continue pushing for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of all negotiations.
Several key developments were noted as contributing to the decision to suspend the strike:
- The report concerning the five disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Lokoja has been implemented. This issue was previously investigated by a committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
- A new reconciliation committee has been established. This body comprises Chief Medical Directors (CMDs), officials from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), and NARD representatives. Its mandate is to ensure all affected members remain at FTH Lokoja and to broker a lasting peace between the Association of Resident Doctors and the Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria at the hospital.
- Regarding the critical salary arrears, verified lists for the outstanding 25% and 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears have been forwarded to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for processing.
Path Forward for Nigeria's Health Sector
This temporary reprieve averts an immediate crisis that would have further strained the country's public health system. The next two weeks are now a crucial period for the government to demonstrate its commitments through concrete action. All eyes will be on the outcomes of the ongoing negotiations and the subsequent review by NARD's NEC at the end of January.
The association's move highlights a willingness to engage in dialogue while maintaining pressure for the fulfillment of agreements. The resolution of these issues is seen as vital for improving morale among medical professionals and ensuring the stability of healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
