The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike to begin from 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over what it described as the Federal Government’s decision to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.
The industrial action, which is expected to affect services across public tertiary hospitals nationwide, was announced after the association’s virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.
In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, NARD President and Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the decision followed reports that the government planned to discontinue the allowance structure that formed part of agreements reached after the union’s 2025 strike.
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He described the development as “unfortunate” and accused the Federal Government of dragging the association into what he called another avoidable industrial action.
“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” Ibrahim said.
“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.”
Why resident doctors are going on strike
The Professional Allowance Table, which was negotiated after last year’s prolonged strike, provides for improved call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives and payments for non-clinical duties.
Implementation was initially scheduled to commence in January 2026, but was delayed until February. The association, however, alleged that the government now intends to discontinue the process in April.
NARD demanded the immediate reversal of the decision and the settlement of all outstanding financial obligations owed to its members.
According to the association, these include the payment of promotion arrears, salary arrears in affected centres, and the speedy conclusion of the process for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The doctors also insisted on the immediate processing and payment of 19 months’ outstanding arrears under the Professional Allowance.
“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,” Ibrahim said.
“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”
He urged Resident doctors across the country to remain united as the association pursues the matter.
The planned strike is expected to place further pressure on Nigeria’s already stretched healthcare system, where Resident doctors play a central role in service delivery, particularly in teaching and federal medical centres.
A prolonged shutdown could disrupt outpatient consultations, elective surgeries and emergency response services in public hospitals, while increasing the burden on private healthcare facilities.
The latest development adds to recurring tensions between medical unions and the Federal Government over welfare, remuneration and working conditions in the health sector.
