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NARD has suspended its nationwide indefinite strike after signing an MoU with the federal government.
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MoU covers progress on 19 demands including salary arrears, promotion arrears, specialist allowance, and reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5”.
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Government set four-week deadlines for key payments as resident doctors resume duties nationwide.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government.
NARD had on November 1 embarked on a “total, comprehensive and indefinite” strike over issues bordering on fair remuneration, payment of salary and promotion arrears, improved working conditions, staffing gaps, and provision of essential medical infrastructure. The doctors also cited excessive workloads that they said undermine the quality of healthcare delivery.
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In a post on X on Saturday, NARD president Mohammad Suleiman announced that the National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to call off the industrial action after several conciliatory meetings with government officials.
He said the MoU clearly outlines progress on the association’s 19-point demands, while also identifying pending areas requiring urgent attention.
Suleiman listed outstanding issues to include promotion arrears, which CMDs and medical directors are yet to fully compile. He noted that the government has set a four-week deadline for payment.
READ ALSO: Resident Doctors Declare Indefinite Nationwide Strike From November 1
On salary arrears, he said the office of the head of the civil service of the federation (OHCSF) has issued a directive on the specialist allowance, with implementation to be carried out by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). Payment is likewise expected within four weeks.
The NARD president added that a committee has recommended the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with implementation scheduled within two weeks.
He further highlighted ongoing processes for the payment of the 25 percent and 35 percent allowances, as well as the accoutrement allowance.
