The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The association said the decision was reached after the Vice President stepped in to address key concerns raised by the aggrieved doctors. The National President of NARD, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the development after a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).
According to him, the Vice President contacted the leadership of NARD and issued directives that led to the resolution of several outstanding issues, while appealing for more time to address others.
“Following his intervention, the National Executive Council of the association convened and unanimously resolved to respect the President’s efforts and suspend the strike action that was scheduled to commence on January 12. This decision was taken just a few hours ago, and further details will be communicated shortly,” Suleiman said.
He added that a detailed communiqué outlining the resolutions reached and the 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,” he stated.
The suspension provides temporary relief to millions of Nigerians who rely on public health facilities and highlights ongoing negotiations aimed at preventing a nationwide disruption of medical services.
NARD had earlier, on January 3, announced plans to resume a Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike (TICS 2.0) from January 12, citing the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with resident doctors, including those contained in a Memorandum of Understanding. The decision followed an Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on January 2.
