Sunday, April 5, 2026 -The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.
The decision, which threatens to disrupt healthcare services
across public hospitals in Nigeria, was reached at the end of the association’s
virtual extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, NARD National
President, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,”
blaming the Federal Government of Nigeria for pushing doctors towards 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.”
The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised
Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government
following a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved
remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances,
shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled to commence
in January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. However, NARD alleged
that the government was planning to discontinue the process by April, a move
the association said undermined trust and violated prior agreements.
Healthcare analysts note that disputes over allowances and
welfare have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s health sector, contributing to
frequent strikes by medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association.
These disruptions often reduce access to healthcare services, particularly in
public hospitals that cater to the majority of Nigerians.
Outlining the association’s demands, Ibrahim called for the
immediate reversal of the government’s decision and settlement of all
outstanding entitlements.
“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.”
He further urged members of the association nationwide to
remain united.
“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the
fight against this injustice and to pursue it to a logical conclusion,” Ibrahim
added.
The planned strike raises concerns about the potential
impact on Nigeria’s already strained health system. Resident doctors form the
backbone of service delivery in tertiary hospitals, handling a large proportion
of patient care.
According to health sector data, Nigeria faces a severe
shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the
World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standard of one doctor to 600
patients. Estimates suggest Nigeria’s ratio is closer to one doctor per 5,000
patients, particularly in underserved areas.
An indefinite strike could lead to the shutdown of
outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private
healthcare facilities, raising concerns among patients and health advocates.
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