…implementation was initially slated for January 2026 and later shifted to February, NARD alleges.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
The decision was reached after the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, raising concerns about a looming disruption in healthcare services across public hospitals in Nigeria.
Speaking on the outcome, NARD National President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,” blaming the Federal Government for 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, adding that the association had resolved to embark on a total and comprehensive strike.
The dispute stems from a revised allowance structure agreed upon after the union’s 2025 strike, which included improved remuneration covering call duty, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duties. Although implementation was initially slated for January 2026 and later shifted to February, NARD alleges that the government now plans to discontinue the process by April.
The association said the move undermines trust and violates prior agreements, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, payment of promotion and salary arrears, and the completion of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund disbursement. It also called for the settlement of 19 months’ outstanding arrears tied to the Professional Allowance.
Ibrahim urged members nationwide to remain united, stressing the need to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.
The planned strike has sparked concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system. Resident doctors play a critical role in service delivery at tertiary hospitals, and their withdrawal could lead to shutdowns of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities.
Health experts note that Nigeria continues to grapple with a shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the World Health Organization recommended standard. In many areas, the ratio is estimated at about one doctor to 5,000 patients, far exceeding the recommended one to 600.
Stakeholders have called for urgent dialogue to avert the strike, warning that recurring industrial actions could further weaken the health sector and accelerate the ongoing migration of Nigerian doctors seeking better working conditions abroad.
With the strike deadline fast approaching, attention is now on the Federal Government to engage with NARD and resolve the impasse before healthcare services are severely affected.
