Resident doctors declare indefinite nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike following the federal government’s move to halt the implementation of the revised professional allowance table (PAT).

NARD’s secretary-general, Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed the decision after the association held a virtual extraordinary national executive council (NEC) meeting on Saturday.

He said the strike is scheduled to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7.

Ibrahim described the development as “unfortunate,” accusing the federal government of pushing doctors toward another round of 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 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”

The dispute follows the implementation of a revised professional allowance table previously agreed upon by NARD and the federal government after a prolonged strike in 2025.

The agreement provided for improved remuneration for resident doctors, including call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.

While implementation was initially slated for January 2026 and later moved to February, NARD alleged that the government now plans to discontinue the process by April.

The association said the move undermines trust and breaches earlier agreements.

NARD is demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, along with the payment of all outstanding entitlements.

“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” Ibrahim said.

“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 also urged its members across the country to remain united and see the action through to a “logical conclusion.”