ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the primary body representing medical school graduates in specialist training across Nigeria, announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, that it has suspended its planned industrial action. The decision comes after the association reached an understanding with the federal government of Nigeria regarding several critical demands, including the settlement of unpaid allowances and general improvements to the welfare of medical practitioners.
The suspension was finalized following an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), the highest decision-making body of the association. During this session, members reviewed formal assurances provided by government representatives and elected to pursue further dialogue rather than proceeding with a total work stoppage.
As Okay News reports, the association explained that the suspension was motivated by recent progress in negotiations. Specifically, the government has committed to the timely payment of salary arrears, the disbursement of hazard allowances, and the resolution of administrative hurdles surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which supports the postgraduate education of doctors.
The President of the University College Hospital (UCH) branch in Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Uthman Adedeji, confirmed the development on Tuesday. He noted that the local chapters are acting in strict accordance with the national directive.
“The strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, during which NARD directed members nationwide to resume by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday,” Adedeji stated.
The dispute is rooted in a revised Professional Allowance Table that was negotiated in 2025 following previous labor unrest. This agreement was designed to enhance remuneration through call duty allowances, shift pay, and incentives for those working in rural areas. While the rollout began in February 2026, the association alleged that the government intended to halt the payments by April 2026, a move that doctors claimed would violate their prior agreement.
By suspending the strike, the association aims to prevent further disruption to a healthcare system already struggling with a significant “brain drain,” where many Nigerian doctors migrate to Europe and North America for better working conditions. All resident doctors are expected to return to their posts by 8:00 a.m. West African Time (WAT) on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
