The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite strike, twenty-nine days after the industrial action commenced on November 1. The suspension was announced on Saturday by NARD National President Mohammad Suleiman following an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association.
Mr Suleiman confirmed the decision followed “a series of conciliatory meetings” with the Federal Government, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the status of the association’s nineteen-point demands. The outstanding issues slated for implementation include the payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears, both of which have been set a four-week deadline for clearance.
The NARD President explained that compilation of the promotion arrears by chief medical directors and managing directors had not been completed. He also noted that a clear directive had been issued by the OHCSF on the specialist allowance, with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission expected to take necessary steps toward its implementation.
A key recommendation from the committee report regarding the “Lokoja Five”, resident doctors disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, called for their reabsorption, which is expected to be fully implemented within two weeks. Furthermore, the MoU stated that NARD and the Federal Government were finalising processes for addressing failed or omitted payments relating to the 25/35 per cent review and accoutrement allowance.
The NEC resolved to suspend the strike for a period of four weeks “to allow room and show this uncommon gesture while we follow up on implementation.” Mr Suleiman warned that “Failure to ensure the full implementation of the above A, B, C, D, will mean the lifting of the suspension on the strike action by NEC and the resumption of the strike.” The four-week window begins on Monday.
