Nigerian Resident Doctors Launch Nationwide Indefinite Strike Over Allowance Dispute
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially declared a comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike, set to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. This drastic action comes in response to allegations that the Federal Government intends to halt the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a critical agreement previously negotiated following the 2025 industrial action.
Background of the Allowance Dispute
NARD successfully secured a revised Professional Allowance Table, which includes enhanced compensation for call duty, shift work, non-clinical responsibilities, and rural postings. The implementation of this revised table was initially scheduled for January 2026, with actual commencement occurring in February. However, the association now alleges that the government plans to discontinue this implementation process in April, effectively scrapping the agreed-upon allowance structure.
Official Statement and Demands
In a strongly worded statement titled "FG Drags NARD to Another Avoidable Strike," issued after a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held on April 4, 2026, NARD Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim expressed deep disappointment. He described the government's alleged decision as both unfortunate and entirely avoidable, calling for its immediate reversal.
The association has presented several key demands to the Federal Government:
- Immediate reversal of the decision to suspend the Professional Allowance Table implementation
- Payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected medical centers
- Prompt conclusion of the process for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
- Immediate processing and payment of 19 months' outstanding arrears of the Professional Allowance
Impact and Resolve
NARD has urged all its members across the nation to maintain unity and solidarity during this industrial action. The association has emphasized its determination to pursue this matter to a logical conclusion, indicating that the strike will continue until their demands are met. This development threatens to significantly disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria, potentially affecting hospital operations and patient care nationwide.
The timing of this strike action, coming just months after the previous industrial dispute was resolved, highlights ongoing tensions between healthcare professionals and government authorities regarding compensation and working conditions in Nigeria's medical sector.
