The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike following the federal government’s decision to halt the implementation of the revised professional allowance table (PAT).
Shuaibu Ibrahim, The association’s Secretary-General, , disclosed this after a virtual extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, stating that the strike will begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Ibrahim described the development as “unfortunate,” accusing the government of pushing doctors into 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 and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
The dispute stems from the implementation of a revised professional allowance table previously agreed upon by NARD and the Federal Government of Nigeria after a prolonged strike in 2025.
The agreement included improved remuneration for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties. While implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026 and later shifted to February, NARD alleged that the government now plans to discontinue the process by April.
The association said the move undermines trust and breaches prior agreements, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision alongside the payment of 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.”
NARD urged its members nationwide to remain united and sustain the action until their demands are met.
