The resolution followed deliberations at the Association’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference, held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State. NARD said the decision to prolong the strike suspension for another four weeks was a goodwill gesture, acknowledging what it described as progress made by the government in addressing some of its demands.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the Association commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other stakeholders for their roles in ongoing engagements with the doctors.
According to the communiqué, the NEC noted recent developments, including the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and interventions by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) on outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears. IPPIS, the Association said, had assured that efforts were underway to clear the arrears within two weeks.
NARD also disclosed that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be fast-tracked.
Despite these steps, the Association expressed concern over delays in issuing a circular affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors. It also raised alarm over the non-payment of the Professional Allowance captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent salary arrears in several health institutions.
The NEC further warned of deteriorating industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent intervention. It also reiterated demands for improved welfare for resident doctors, timely release of training funds and sustained investment in health infrastructure nationwide.
The January NEC meeting, NARD’s first statutory gathering of the year, was held alongside a scientific conference on January 27 at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos. The conference, themed “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health,” was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, represented by Dr Peace Longdet.
The event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Piwuna Christopher, and attended by traditional rulers, leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association, chief medical directors of major health institutions and other dignitaries.