The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government to fully implement outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances, and welfare.
The decision was made at the conclusion of the association’s national executive council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference, held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
In a communiqué signed by Mohammad Suleiman, NARD president, the association expressed its appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders for their roles in the ongoing engagements.
The NEC acknowledged the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja and commended the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), on the outstanding 25% and 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and accoutrement allowance arrears.
NARD also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the relevant authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be expedited.
However, the association expressed concern over delays in circulating the directive affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry-level for medical doctors.
Additionally, the association decried the non-payment of professional allowances provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act and the persistent salary arrears across several health institutions.
The association warned of worsening industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and demanded urgent action.
It also called for improved welfare, the timely release of training funds, and renewed investment in health infrastructure nationwide.
“The NEC demands the expeditious clearance of the outstanding 25%/35% CONMESS arrears and accoutrement allowance arrears within the assured two weeks, as committed by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), following the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,” the communiqué reads.
“The NEC demands the prompt payment of all promotion arrears already forwarded to the appropriate authorities, in line with the assurances of the Honourable Minister of Finance for payment within the next four (4) weeks.
“The NEC demands the expedited payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed to specific centres, which have been duly forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Finance for processing, within the assured four (4) week timeline.”
After extensive deliberations and recognizing the progress made by the federal government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) for a further four (4) weeks as a goodwill gesture, to allow for the full implementation of the association’s demands.
The association had earlier suspended its plan to begin another strike on January 12. The doctors explained that this was done after firm commitments from key stakeholders following Shettima’s intervention.
