The planned restart of its proposed industrial action, which was supposed to start on Monday (today), has been postponed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). 

According to NARD, Vice-President Kashim Shettima's immediate involvement on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and strong promises from important parties led to the action's suspension. 

The association reviewed the status of its demands and evaluated the progress made through consistent engagement with pertinent authorities during a virtual emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on January 11, 2026, where the decision was made.

Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Secretary-General of NARD, characterized the suspension as "strategic and conditional," emphasizing that it was meant to give time for an unbiased evaluation of concrete accomplishments at the association's upcoming NEC meeting, which is set for January 25, 2026.

In a statement, Ibrahim said: “Following firm commitments from critical stakeholders across government and based on direct presidential intervention led by the vice-president, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the resumption of TICS 2.0. This decision is not a retreat from our demands, but a deliberate window to verify implementation and measurable outcomes.”

He claimed that the group thoroughly examined all unresolved concerns pertaining to resident physicians and noted that advancements had been noted in a number of areas. 

Ibrahim stated that the ongoing problem at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Lokoja has been fixed.

“In addition to that, a new reconciliation committee comprising chief medical directors, the Ministry of Health, and NARD has been constituted to ensure that all our members remain in FTH Lokoja and to broker lasting peace between ARD FTH Lokoja and MDCAN FTH Lokoja. The goal is to foster harmony and prevent a relapse,” he stated.

The NARD scribe revealed that confirmed lists for the unpaid 25 and 35 percent CONMESS arrears had already been sent to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). 

He said that in order to facilitate payment, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment has formally written to the Ministry of Finance with reference to IPPIS.

“We are not relenting,” Ibrahim said. “NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure that these arrears are paid without further delay.”

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