The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, a decision reached after an extraordinary national executive council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.
According to Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD's secretary-general, the industrial action is set to commence on Tuesday, April 7, at 12:00 a.m.
Ibrahim expressed disappointment over the federal government's stance, stating that the government's action of discontinuing the implementation of the revised professional allowance table (PAT) has unfortunately pushed doctors towards another industrial dispute.
During the NEC meeting, the executive council was apprised of the federal government's directive to cease the implementation of the PAT. This development was met with strong disapproval.
Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to commence a comprehensive and total industrial strike starting at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
This dispute arises from the government's recent decision concerning the professional allowance table, which was previously agreed upon by NARD and the federal government after a prolonged strike in 2025.
The earlier agreement was intended to enhance the remuneration for resident doctors, encompassing call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical responsibilities.
Although the implementation was initially planned for January 2026 and subsequently postponed to February, NARD has claimed that the government now intends to abandon the process by April.
The association argues that this decision erodes trust and constitutes a breach of previously established agreements.
NARD is now demanding an immediate reversal of the government's decision and the prompt settlement of all outstanding dues.
"We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026," Ibrahim stated.
He further added, "There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears for specific 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."
The association has encouraged its members across the nation to maintain solidarity and ensure the strike action is pursued to its ultimate conclusion.
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