The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting April 7, 2026, over unresolved issues with the Federal Government on doctors’ allowances.
The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, with the strike scheduled to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
NARD President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as “unfortunate,” accusing the Federal Government of reneging on previously agreed terms.
“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.”
Allowance dispute
The crisis centres on the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key component of agreements reached after the doctors’ 2025 strike.
The agreement covered improved remuneration, including call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.
While implementation was initially slated for January 2026 and later shifted to February, NARD alleged that the government now plans to halt the process entirely by April.
Demands
The association is demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, alongside payment of outstanding entitlements.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” Mr Ibrahim said.
He also called for the settlement of promotion and salary arrears, payment of 19 months’ outstanding allowances, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Health system strain
Healthcare analysts warn that the strike could significantly disrupt services across public hospitals, where resident doctors play a central role in patient care.
Nigeria already faces a critical shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the standard recommended by the World Health Organization.
Estimates suggest Nigeria has roughly one doctor to 5,000 patients, compared to the WHO benchmark of one to 600.
An indefinite strike could lead to the shutdown of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities.
Stakeholders have also warned that recurring industrial actions could worsen the ongoing brain drain, as doctors continue to seek better working conditions abroad.
Call for intervention
NARD urged its members nationwide to remain united, while calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the issues to avert a healthcare crisis.
Attention is now focused on whether both parties can reach a resolution before the strike begins, as millions of Nigerians risk being affected.
The planned strike underscores persistent challenges in Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting concerns over workforce welfare, funding, and the sustainability of public healthcare delivery.
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