By BONIFACE AKARAH

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has withdrawn queries issued to the Executive Council members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), following the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and senior officials of the administration.

NARD, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the queries were withdrawn after interventions by the Acting Head of Service, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister and the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Administrative Matters.

The association said It appreciated Wike for his prompt intervention in the dispute, which it said had the potential to disrupt industrial harmony in the FCT health sector and beyond.

“We sincerely appreciate the FCT Minister, His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for his prompt intervention in the matter,” NARD stated, adding that the development “had the potential to affect the existing industrial harmony within the FCT health sector and beyond.”

According to the association, the intervention demonstrates the importance of constructive engagement between government and organised labour.

NARD said such engagement would help restore confidence, strengthen mutual trust and promote a more cordial relationship between the FCT Administration and healthcare workers.

The doctors also commended the minister for approving the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the newly revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), describing the measures as significant steps towards improving doctors’ welfare and professional development.

“These are significant steps towards improving the welfare and professional development of doctors, as well as strengthening healthcare delivery in the FCT,” the association said.

However, NARD urged the FCT Minister to address three outstanding issues affecting its members.

The association listed the unpaid 2026 accoutrement allowance, outstanding five to 12 months’ 25/35 per cent upward review of CONMESS arrears for 2023, and the demand for entry-level placement of doctors at CONMESS 3 Step 5.

NARD expressed confidence that the outstanding concerns could be resolved through continued dialogue, warning that addressing them would help consolidate recent gains and prevent avoidable industrial disharmony and disruption of healthcare services.

The association said It remained committed to constructive engagement with the FCT Administration and urged Wike to sustain the dialogue-based approach in dealing with organised labour.

“A cordial relationship between government and organised labour remains essential to resolving grievances promptly and preventing avoidable disruptions to healthcare services,” NARD stated.

The association again thanked the FCT Minister and the Chief of Staff for their intervention, saying it would contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the FCT health sector.

•PHOTO: Left is the new ARD FCT President, Dr Francis Oklalaobi, center P MUS NARD right Immediate past President ARD FCT/Now Chairman NMA FCT