The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike after the Federal Government reversed its position on allowances and pledged to meet key financial demands.

Allowance Reversal Calms Tension

The decision followed a major shift by the government on the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which had earlier triggered outrage among doctors.

NARD confirmed that the reversal would take effect immediately, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and continue in subsequent payments.

“The NEC observed that the earlier decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in the April salary and beyond,” the association stated.

High-Level Talks Break Deadlock

The breakthrough came after a series of engagements between the doctors’ body and top government officials.

NARD said discussions involved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.

The meetings helped ease tensions that had been building over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.

Arrears and Training Fund in Focus

Beyond the allowance reversal, the government also committed to settling outstanding salary arrears owed to resident doctors.

According to NARD, the Budget Office has already indicated readiness to begin payment of the nineteen months’ arrears tied to the Professional Allowance.

The association added that steps are also underway to commence the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, a critical support scheme for doctors in training.

Strike Suspended, Monitoring Continues

While the strike has been suspended, NARD signalled that it will continue to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreements reached.

The association maintained that full implementation of the promises will determine its next line of action.