The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to fulfil all outstanding agreements relating to salaries, allowances, and welfare, warning that failure to do so could result in another industrial action.
The association announced this at the end of its January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held in Jos, Plateau State, from January 25 to 29, 2026.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the association also confirmed the extension of the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) for an additional four weeks.
The communiqué stated that the decision was taken in recognition of the progress made by the Federal Government towards addressing the demands of resident doctors.
The NEC appreciated the roles played by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and other stakeholders involved in the ongoing negotiations.
The association commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for facilitating the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and for addressing arrears of the 25 percent and 35 percent CONMESS and accoutrement allowances.
IPPIS reportedly assured NARD that the outstanding payments would be effected within two weeks.
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Finance was said to have confirmed that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities for processing.
Despite these developments, NARD expressed concern over unresolved issues, including the delayed circulation of the directive confirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors.
The association also condemned the non-payment of the Professional Allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as lingering salary arrears in several federal and state health institutions.
The communiqué further warned of worsening labour relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent government intervention to prevent escalation.
NARD urged the Federal Government to ensure the timely release of training funds, prompt payment of all outstanding entitlements, and sustained investment in health infrastructure to avert further disruptions in healthcare delivery.
The conference, held at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos, had the theme “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health.”
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, represented in his capacity as APC National Chairman, while the event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Piwuna Christopher.
Traditional rulers and medical dignitaries, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, officials of the Nigerian Medical Association, and chief medical directors of major health institutions, were also in attendance.
