2,000+ Resident Doctors Still Unpaid Despite FG's Settlement Claims

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says over 2,000 members are yet to receive arrears of the 25-35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), contradicting Federal Government claims that payments were settled. NARD President Dr Mohammad Suleman disclosed this on Channels Television's Politics Today Friday, insisting the unresolved arrears span several months and affect thousands of doctors nationwide.

Suleman explained that the issue has been repeatedly pushed to the service-wide vote instead of being captured in the budget, requiring presidential intervention each time. He cited 2023, 2024, and 2025 instances where these entitlements depended on special provisions rather than statutory budgeting processes.

Despite a court injunction restraining them from striking, NARD's resolve remains firm. The association plans to commence an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, January 12, citing the FG's failure to honour a November 29 Memorandum of Understanding that ended their previous industrial action. Ongoing discussions with the Health Ministry continue, with Suleman hoping for resolution before the weekend.

The National Industrial Court in Abuja granted the injunction following a Federal Government motion, but NARD argues the suffering of exhausted doctors and patients cannot be ignored. The union's National Executive Council holds final decision authority on whether to proceed with the strike.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/09/over-2000-resident-doctors-yet-to-receive-arrears-nard/