The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended the planned resumption of its proposed industrial action, tagged TICS 2.0, following what it described as firm commitments from key stakeholders and direct intervention by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision was taken at a virtual Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 11, 2026, during which the association reviewed the status of its demands and assessed progress made through sustained engagement with relevant authorities.
Secretary-General of NARD, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the suspension as “strategic and conditional,” stressing that it was intended to allow time for an objective assessment of tangible progress at the association’s next NEC meeting, scheduled for January 25, 2026.
“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 explained that the meeting extensively reviewed all outstanding issues affecting resident doctors, noting that progress had been recorded on several fronts. On the lingering crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, Ibrahim said the earlier committee report set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had been implemented.
“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.”
On the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears, the NARD scribe disclosed that verified lists had already been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). According to him, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has formally written to the Ministry of Finance, with attention to IPPIS, to facilitate payment.
“We are not relenting,” Ibrahim said. “NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure that these arrears are paid without further delay.”
He added that similar progress had been made regarding the outstanding accoutrement allowance.
Addressing promotion and salary arrears, Ibrahim noted that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had transmitted relevant lists to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. “Importantly, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged receipt, and we are now engaging to ensure a clear and expedited payment plan,” he said.
On the issue of skipping and entry-level placement, the Secretary-General said clarification had been issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, reaffirming CONMESS 3 as the recognised entry level. “The Director of Hospital Services is expected to formally communicate this clarification to chief executives of hospitals to end all ambiguities,” he added.
Ibrahim also disclosed that a multi-stakeholder committee had been set up to address locum practice and work-hour regulation. “The committee includes the Ministry of Health, chief medical directors, the Nigerian Medical Association, and NARD, and preliminary activities have already commenced ahead of formal inauguration,” he said.
On specialist allowance, he said concrete steps had been taken toward full implementation, while house officers’ welfare had also received attention through the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. “The Ministry of Health will formally engage the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to liaise with IPPIS on salary delays, arrears, and issuance of pay advisories,” Ibrahim stated.
He further revealed that a committee chaired by the Director of Hospital Services had been established to address membership re-categorisation, engaging the MDCN, chief medical directors, postgraduate colleges, and NARD.
Regarding salary and allowance arrears in state and private facilities, Ibrahim said NARD would work closely with affected centres. “While we ensure arrears are cleared, we will also push to see that the gains achieved at the federal level are felt at the state level,” he said.
On the professional allowance table, Ibrahim confirmed that the relevant circular had been released and that the Ministry of Health had written to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for full implementation beginning with the January salary. “We have also received assurances that the 18 months arrears will be captured in the 2026 Budget,” he added.
He said NARD would continue to push for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Ibrahim expressed appreciation to NARD organs and members nationwide for their support, as well as to stakeholders for what he described as “invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts.”
“The NEC remains confident that the timely and decisive intervention of the Vice President will culminate in a lasting resolution of the protracted challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector,” he said.
