RESIDENT DOCTORS TO BEGIN INDEFINITE STRIKE TUESDAY OVER ALLOWANCE DISPUTE
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite nationwide strike to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to discontinue the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.
The decision, which could disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals in Nigeria, was reached at the end of the association’s virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, NARD National President, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,” accusing the Federal Government of pushing doctors toward another strike.
“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 industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
The dispute is linked to the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government after a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled to begin in January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. However, NARD alleged that the government now plans to halt the process by April, a move the association said undermines trust and violates earlier agreements.
Healthcare analysts note that disputes over allowances and welfare have remained a recurring issue in Nigeria’s health sector, contributing to frequent strikes by medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association. Such disruptions often limit access to healthcare services, especially in public hospitals serving a large population.
Outlining the association’s demands, Ibrahim called for an immediate reversal of the government’s decision and the 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.
“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.”
“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”
He further urged members 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 added.
The planned strike has raised concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria’s already strained health system. Resident doctors form a critical part of service delivery in tertiary hospitals, handling a significant share 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 Organization’s recommended standard of one doctor to 600 patients. Estimates suggest the ratio is closer to one doctor per 5,000 patients, particularly in underserved areas.
An indefinite strike could result in the shutdown of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities, heightening concerns among patients and health advocates.
Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention to prevent another disruption in the health sector, warning that repeated strikes could worsen the ongoing brain drain among Nigerian doctors seeking better working conditions abroad.
As the strike deadline approaches, attention is now on the Federal Government to engage with NARD and resolve the dispute, with millions of Nigerians likely to be affected if negotiations fail.
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