Nigerian resident doctors suspend planned strike after meeting with Presidency

NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, stated that the delegation and the Federal Government agreed on specific timelines to resolve outstanding disputes concerning salaries, promotions, and allowances. The meeting, convened by Gbajabiamila, included the Ministers of Labour, Health, and Finance, among other key officials. Suleiman reported that firm commitments were secured on nearly all outstanding issues, though a formal announcement of the strike's suspension awaits consultation with NARD's National Executive Council.

Issues addressed included delayed salaries for house officers, with a standing order issued for payments by the 10th of each month. The Presidency also charged the Ministries of Labour and Health to accelerate the completion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additionally, the escalating violence against health workers was discussed, with the Ministry of Health set to issue directives for improved security and public education.

Gbajabiamila committed to legislative reform to make assaulting health workers an aggravated offense. The dispute over unpaid hazard and specialist allowance arrears, dating back seven years, was also discussed, with the Tinubu administration having corrected a shortfall in February 2026, though a 19-month backlog from July 2024 remains outstanding.