The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, raising fresh concerns over disruptions in healthcare services across the country.
The decision followed the Federal Government’s move to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, an agreement previously reached with the doctors after a prolonged industrial action in 2025.
The association’s Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement issued after an extraordinary virtual meeting of the National Executive Council held on Saturday.
He said the strike would commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Ibrahim described the government’s decision as “unfortunate,” accusing it of reneging on earlier agreements and 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 indefinite strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
The dispute centres on the implementation of the revised allowance structure, which includes improved remuneration components such as call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.
Although the implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026 and later shifted to February, the association alleged that the government had concluded plans to discontinue the process by April.
NARD said the move undermined mutual trust and constituted a breach of agreement reached with its members.
The association demanded the immediate reversal of the decision and the payment of all outstanding entitlements owed to resident doctors.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table starting in April 2026,” Ibrahim said.
He also called for the immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the prompt release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
In addition, the association insisted on the payment of 19 months’ outstanding arrears of the professional allowance.
NARD urged its members nationwide to remain united and committed to the strike until its demands were met, warning that the action would continue until a “logical conclusion” was achieved.
The development is expected to further strain Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system, with patients likely to bear the brunt of the industrial action if no swift resolution is reached.
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