The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has called off its indefinite nationwide strike following a successful negotiation with the Federal Government.

NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the suspension of the strike in a post on X. “The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has resolved to suspend the ongoing total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action,” he wrote.

The suspension comes after a series of conciliatory meetings between NARD and government representatives, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement addresses several of the association’s demands, which are outlined in a 19-point agenda.

According to Dr. Suleiman, the compilation of promotion arrears by Chief Medical Directors, CMDs, and Medical Directors, MDs, is still ongoing. A four-week deadline has been set for the completion and payment of these arrears.

The government has committed to paying the outstanding salary arrears within four weeks. Dr. Suleiman also mentioned that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, has issued a clear directive regarding the specialist allowance, with the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, NSIWC, tasked with implementing the directive.

The MoU includes provisions for the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5”,  five resident doctors previously suspended from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja. The full implementation of this is expected within two weeks.
Other highlights from the MoU include ongoing processes for the payment of 25% and 35% allowances.

 

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The strike, which began on November 1, 2023, was a response to several long-standing issues faced by resident doctors in Nigeria. Their demands included, Fair remuneration and the payment of salary arrears, Improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and essential medical infrastructure, Payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
Restoration of the recognition of the West African Postgraduate Membership Certificates.

In addition, NARD sought the issuance of membership certificates to all deserving candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and the addressing of concerns for resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.

The suspension of the strike marks a significant step towards resolving the issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s healthcare system. With both NARD and the Federal Government now on the same page, the hope is that the terms of the MoU will be swiftly implemented, improving conditions for resident doctors and, ultimately, for the patients they serve.

 

SOURCE: CHANNELS