The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a two-week window to review the suspension of its proposed industrial action following a high-level intervention by the Presidency. Speaking in Calabar on Monday, January 12, 2026, NARD President-elect Dr. Emmanuel Idoko clarified that the strike scheduled to resume this week has been kept in “abeyance” rather than fully called off. This decision followed a strategic meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, who appealed to the medical professionals to prioritize dialogue over disruption. The association will reassess the federal government’s progress on a 19-point pact before determining its next course of action at a meeting later this month.
The brewing crisis stems from a 29-day strike that began in November 2025, which was only suspended after preliminary agreements were reached with the government. Doctors are demanding the implementation of a revised salary structure, the payment of outstanding arrears, and an immediate upgrade of medical facilities across federal teaching hospitals. Dr. Idoko emphasized that doctors do not enjoy embarking on strikes but are forced to do so by “unfavourable policies” that continue to stifle healthcare delivery. He noted that the persistent failure to address poor remuneration has accelerated the “brain drain” of medical talent leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad.
