The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government four weeks to fully pay outstanding salaries, allowances, and meet other welfare agreements, warning that failure to do so may lead to another strike.
The decision was reached at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
In a statement signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the doctors acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other government officials in resolving some of their demands.
NARD praised the reinstatement of doctors who were earlier disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. It also commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for their role in addressing unpaid 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears and accoutrement allowances.
The association noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the relevant authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be made quickly.
However, NARD expressed concern over delays in issuing a circular confirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors. It also complained about the non-payment of the professional allowance already included in the 2026 budget.
The doctors further raised alarm over ongoing salary arrears in several hospitals and warned that the situation at Benue State University Teaching Hospital could worsen without urgent government action.
NARD also called for better welfare for resident doctors, timely release of training funds, and increased investment in health facilities across the country.
According to the communiqué, the NEC demanded immediate payment of the outstanding CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears within the two-week timeline earlier promised by IPPIS. It also demanded full payment of promotion arrears and all outstanding salaries owed to affected hospitals within four weeks.
As a sign of goodwill, the association agreed to extend the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) for another four weeks to give the government time to meet its commitments.
NARD had earlier suspended its planned strike scheduled for January 12 after the intervention of Vice-President Shettima and assurances from key government officials.
