By Lawrence Agbo
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over disputes with the Federal Government on the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.
The decision was reached at the association’s virtual extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday. NARD President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as unfortunate, blaming the Federal Government for pushing doctors into another industrial action.
“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” he said.
“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
According to him, the government’s plan to halt the implementation of the allowance structure—agreed upon after the 2025 strike—undermines trust and violates prior commitments. The revised package includes improved payments for call duty, shift allowances, rural postings, and other entitlements.
NARD said delays had already shifted the rollout from January to February 2026, and alleged that plans to discontinue it by April triggered the strike decision.
The association is demanding an immediate reversal of the policy, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, settlement of 19 months’ unpaid professional allowances, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” he said.
“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the prompt conclusion of the process of paying the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.”
“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”
Healthcare experts warn the strike could severely disrupt services in public hospitals, where resident doctors play a central role in patient care. Nigeria already faces a critical shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the World Health Organization recommendation.
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