The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its proposed nationwide strike. The decision followed the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who stepped in to address key issues raised by the protesting doctors.
NARD’s National President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the development after a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC). According to him, the Vice President engaged the leadership of NARD and issued directives that helped resolve several pending concerns, while also requesting more time to tackle the remaining issues.
“Following his intervention, the National Executive Council, NEC, of the association convened and unanimously resolved to respect the President’s efforts and halt the strike action that was scheduled to begin on January 12. This decision was reached just a few hours ago, and more information will be communicated shortly.”
He added that a detailed communiqué outlining the resolutions and next steps would be released in the coming days.
“Once I am fully recovered, I will also address the press to explain these issues in greater detail. For now, we are giving the government additional time to act in good faith.”
The suspension offers temporary relief to millions of Nigerians who depend on public health facilities and underscores ongoing negotiations aimed at averting a full-scale disruption of medical services nationwide.
NARD had on January 3 announced plans to resume a Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike, known as TICS 2.0, from January 12. The association said the action was due to the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with resident doctors, including those contained in a Memorandum of Understanding.
The decision to embark on the strike was taken at an Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on January 2.