NARD Suspends Nationwide Strike, Issues April 21 Ultimatum to Federal Government
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its indefinite nationwide strike, directing members to resume work from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. This decision follows fresh assurances from the federal government regarding the implementation of revised allowances.
Conditional Suspension Based on Government Commitments
NARD President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, revealed the suspension on Tuesday after a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC). He stated that the move is based on the government’s commitment to reverse its decision to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which was scheduled to take effect from April 2026.
Suleiman emphasized that the suspension is conditional, as NARD has issued a new ultimatum to the federal government, setting April 21 as the deadline for full compliance with its demands. He warned that failure to meet the terms within this period would force doctors to resume industrial action.
Background of the Strike and Key Demands
The strike was initially declared in protest against the federal government’s plan to discontinue the implementation of the revised PAT. This allowance structure is a key component of an agreement reached in 2025 after a prolonged industrial dispute between NARD and the government.
Under that agreement, resident doctors were to benefit from improved remuneration, including:
- Enhanced call duty and shift allowances
- Rural posting incentives
- Payments for non-clinical duties
Implementation was first slated for January 2026 and later shifted to February, but NARD alleged that the government intended to halt the process entirely by April. The association described this as a breach of trust and a violation of previously agreed terms, insisting on the immediate reinstatement of the allowance structure and payment of all outstanding entitlements.
Additional Demands and Healthcare Implications
In addition to the reversal of the PAT decision, NARD is demanding:
- Prompt payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to doctors in certain centers
- Expedited disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund
This development offers temporary relief to Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has faced repeated disruptions due to industrial actions by medical professionals over welfare and funding concerns. However, uncertainty remains as the April 21 deadline approaches, with the potential for further strikes if demands are not met.
