The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned strike and directed members to resume work after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government.
NARD announced the development on Tuesday, after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council with government representatives.
According to the association, the suspension was informed by “progress made” in negotiations, particularly commitments on the prompt payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and steps toward resolving issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Although the association did not declare a full resolution of the dispute, it noted that the government had shown “renewed willingness” to address the concerns that triggered the strike threat.
NARD had on Saturday declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.
“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate.
“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026″, said NARD National President, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.
The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government following a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled to commence in January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. However, NARD alleged that the government is now planning to discontinue the process by April, a move the association says undermines trust and violates prior agreements.
However, the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, during which NARD directed members nationwide to resume by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
The decision followed the federal government’s reversal of its stance on the revised professional allowance and a commitment to address other outstanding issues raised by the association.
