The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the federal government four weeks to fully implement pending agreements on pay, allowances and welfare conditions.
The decision followed the association’s national executive council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held in Jos, Plateau state, from January 25 to 29, 2026.
In a communiqué signed by NARD president Mohammad Suleiman, the group commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other stakeholders for their engagement in resolving the issues.
The NEC acknowledged the reinstatement of dismissed doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and praised the interventions of the ministry of labour and employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) on the outstanding 25 and 35 percent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears.
NARD also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been submitted to relevant authorities, with assurances from the minister of finance that payments would be accelerated.
However, the association raised concerns about delays in issuing the circular recognising CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors. It also criticised the non-payment of professional allowances captured in the 2026 budget and persistent salary arrears in several health institutions.
The group warned of deteriorating labour relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent measures to improve welfare, release training funds promptly and boost investment in health infrastructure.
“The NEC demands the expeditious clearance of the outstanding 25%/35% CONMESS arrears and accoutrement allowance arrears within the assured two weeks,” the communiqué said.
“The NEC demands the prompt payment of all promotion arrears already forwarded to the appropriate authorities,” it added.
“The NEC demands the expedited payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed to specific centres,” the statement further read.
It added that the strike suspension would remain in place for another four weeks as a goodwill gesture.
“After exhaustive deliberations… the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) for a further period of four (4) weeks,” the communiqué stated.
NARD had earlier shelved a planned strike scheduled for January 12 after receiving assurances from key stakeholders following Shettima’s intervention.
