January 10, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has challenged claims by the Federal Government that outstanding arrears linked to the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment have been fully settled, revealing that thousands of doctors remain unpaid under the Bola Tinubu administration.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, NARD National President, Dr Mohammad Suleman, disclosed that more than 2,000 resident doctors—nearing 3,000 nationwide—are still owed seven months’ salary arrears, despite repeated assurances from the government.
“On the seven months’ arrears of the 25–35 per cent adjustment, we still have over 2,000, almost 3,000 of our members who are yet to be paid,” Suleman stated.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that seven out of the 19 demands presented by NARD had been addressed, including payment of the CONMESS adjustment. However, Suleman described the government’s handling of the issue as inconsistent and unreliable.
According to him, the arrears have repeatedly been placed under service-wide vote provisions instead of being properly captured in the national budget, a move he said has worsened delays.
“In 2023, it was put under service-wide vote. In 2024, it was again placed there. In 2025, the same thing happened,” he explained, questioning why doctors must continually depend on presidential intervention to receive lawful entitlements.
“Does it mean that doctors’ arrears must always wait for agitation and then special presidential approval before they are paid?” he asked.
Suleman confirmed that negotiations were ongoing between NARD, the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health, expressing cautious hope that tangible progress could be made before the weekend.
“We are currently in discussions with the Federal Government team. I hope that between now and Sunday, a lot of things will be done the proper way,” he said.
He stressed that NARD’s final decision on the proposed industrial action would be based on evidence of government sincerity rather than fear of legal sanctions.
“The National Executive Council will assess the situation not in the context of court injunctions or ‘no work, no pay,’ but based on what has actually been done and whether good faith is evident,” Suleman said.
Despite a court order restraining the association from proceeding with its planned strike, the NARD president insisted that the resolve of resident doctors remains unshaken.
“Our members’ resolve is not shaken by all these developments. These factors were already considered before the decision to embark on the strike,” he stated.
When asked whether the nationwide strike scheduled to begin on Monday would still go ahead, Suleman said the final decision rests with the association’s leadership.
“Unless the National Executive Council of NARD decides otherwise,” he said.
He also questioned whether the court injunction sufficiently addressed the daily realities faced by doctors and patients across the country.
“Are we ignoring the suffering doctors go through? Are we ignoring the suffering of patients when doctors are exhausted, frustrated and unable to perform optimally?” he asked.
On Friday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered NARD and its members to suspend the planned strike billed for January 12. The injunction was granted by Justice Emmanuel Subilim following an application by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
However, NARD has maintained its plan to embark on a total and indefinite strike, citing the Federal Government’s alleged failure to fully implement agreements contained in a Memorandum of Understanding signed after the last strike was suspended on November 29. The association also dismissed claims that its agitation is politically motivated.
— SUNTV Global Channel
