The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the conditional suspension of its planned “Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike” (TICS 2.0), which was originally scheduled to commence at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026. This decision was reached during a virtual Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday. NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, confirmed that the suspension is strategic, intended to allow the government time to implement several key agreements. The association intends to review the progress of these commitments during its upcoming NEC meeting, which is set to begin on January 25, 2026.
According to Dr. Ibrahim, the breakthrough in negotiations followed a direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The government has reportedly made firm commitments regarding the settlement of outstanding 25% and 35% CONMESS arrears, with verified lists already forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has promised to issue circulars clarifying CONMESS 3 as the official entry point for doctors to address long-standing issues surrounding skipping and entry-level placement.
Other critical demands addressed during the negotiations include the resolution of the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and the establishment of a reconciliation committee to foster workplace harmony. The government has also pledged to include 18 months of professional allowance arrears in the 2026 budget, with full implementation expected to begin with January 2025 salaries. A multi-stakeholder committee has been constituted to regulate locum practice and work hours, while the Ministry of Finance has acknowledged receipt of promotion and salary arrears lists for immediate processing.
Despite these commitments, the suspension remains tenuous as it coincides with a legal intervention. On Friday, January 9, the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an interim order restraining NARD and its members from proceeding with the strike, pending a hearing scheduled for January 21. The lawsuit, filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, aimed to ensure compliance with labor laws. While NARD leadership emphasizes that their current suspension is based on “tangible progress” and diplomatic engagement, the medical community remains watchful to see if these promises translate into actual payments before the January 25 review.
