The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, states that the federal government has reversed its earlier decision on implementing the revised Professional Allowance Table, PAT, and has made new commitments to settle outstanding arrears and fund residency training programmes.
The disclosure was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held virtually on Saturday.
The current development follows weeks of tension between NARD and the federal government over unresolved welfare issues.
At the centre of the dispute was the government’s decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed PAT. The government has now agreed to implement the PAT.
The doctors also raised concerns over delayed payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears, the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and about 19 months of unpaid professional allowances.
Following negotiations with government officials and other stakeholders, the association had earlier suspended the strike, citing progress in discussions and commitments by the authorities to address the concerns.
However, the association maintained that the suspension was not a resolution of the dispute but a window to assess the government’s willingness to implement agreed measures, a process that has now culminated in the latest commitments outlined in its communiqué.
In its observations, the association said the federal government has now reinstated the implementation of the reviewed PAT, noting that the adjustment is expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent payments.
NARD also said the government renewed its commitment to pay all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.
It further noted that initial approval has been secured for the 2026 MRTF, with a firm commitment by the authorities to conclude and finalise the disbursement process.
According to the communiqué, the Budget Office has also indicated readiness to commence the process for the payment of 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance.
However, the association expressed concern over the continued delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries.
The association also called for the prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions, in line with the government’s renewed commitment.
It further demanded the expedited conclusion and full disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, as well as the immediate commencement and timely completion of the process for the payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance.
