The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), 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 yesterday.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, NARD National President, Dr. Shu’aibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate”, blaming the Federal Government of Nigeria for pushing doctors toward 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. 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”, he stated.
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 is now planning to discontinue the process by April, a move the association says undermines trust and violates 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.
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 further stated.
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 Organisation (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.
Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention to avert another disruption in the health sector, warning that repeated strikes could worsen the ongoing brain drain among Nigerian doctors seeking better working conditions abroad.
