The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a new four-week deadline to the Federal Government to fully implement all outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances, and welfare, warning that failure to do so could trigger another round of industrial action.

The ultimatum was announced at the conclusion of NARD’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference, which took place in Jos, Plateau State, from January 25 to 29, 2026.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the association’s President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, NARD also confirmed that it has extended the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) by another four weeks.

According to the NEC, the decision was taken in acknowledgment of “measurable progress” made by the Federal Government in addressing some of the doctors’ demands. As a result, resident doctors agreed to maintain industrial peace temporarily while engagements continue.

The association commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and other key stakeholders for their roles in ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the crisis.

NARD also praised the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, alongside the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), for facilitating the reinstatement of previously disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. It further noted progress in the resolution of outstanding arrears related to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONMESS adjustments and accoutrement allowances, with IPPIS reportedly assuring that payments would be completed within two weeks.

Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Finance was said to have confirmed that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities for processing.

However, the association expressed concern over several unresolved issues, particularly the delay in formally circulating the directive that confirms CONMESS 3 as the approved entry point for medical doctors. NARD also criticised the non-payment of the Professional Allowance already provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent salary backlogs across several federal and state-owned health institutions.

The communiqué further raised alarm over worsening labour relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, urging urgent government intervention to prevent the situation from escalating.

NARD called on the Federal Government to prioritise the timely release of training funds, ensure prompt payment of all outstanding entitlements, and sustain investment in healthcare infrastructure to avoid disruptions to medical services nationwide.

The NEC meeting and scientific conference, held at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos, had the theme “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health.” The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, representing the APC National Chairman, while the event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Piwuna Christopher.

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The gathering attracted traditional rulers and leading figures in the medical community, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, senior officials of the Nigerian Medical Association, and chief medical directors from major health institutions across the country.