The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has firmly rejected a proposed six-month job evaluation period, which it says was agreed between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) before the resumption of crucial salary negotiations.
NARD's Firm Stance Against Delay
During a press briefing held in Abuja on 14 January 2026, the NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, declared the association's position. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of NARD has called for the immediate reconvening and conclusion of talks on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Dr. Suleiman revealed that the Federal Government presented a plan to both the NMA and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to conduct a job evaluation for half a year before starting the CBA process. He stated that while the NMA accepted this proposal, JOHESU rejected it. NARD has now aligned itself with the rejection, insisting that the CBA negotiations must proceed without further postponement.
Key Demands and Commendations
Beyond the CBA, NARD has issued other critical demands. The association is pushing for the immediate reconvening of the Committee on Special Pension Benefits. This move is intended to finalize agreements previously reached with the doctors' body.
NARD also commended the Federal Government for one positive step: the reinstatement of all disengaged colleagues at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja. However, Dr. Suleiman expressed dissatisfaction with a condition attached to this resolution, which requires two of the affected doctors to seek transfers to other tertiary hospitals. He argued that this measure would aggravate rather than resolve the underlying issues.
Avoiding Confrontation, Seeking Resolution
Dr. Suleiman was careful to frame NARD's actions not as confrontation but as a necessary step to prevent setting a bad precedent. He emphasized the association's desire for a fair and swift resolution.
The NARD President acknowledged that a recent intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima in the disagreement between NARD and the government's negotiation team is already showing positive results. He expressed NARD's belief in the Vice President's commitment to finding a solution.
To move forward, NARD advocates for the immediate clearance of all outstanding CONMESS arrears and accoutrement allowance arrears. This demand is in line with the documented intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the commitments made by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
