The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.
The decision was reached at the end of the association’s virtual extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday.
Speaking after the meeting, the NARD National President, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as unfortunate and accused the Federal Government of pushing doctors toward another industrial action.
Ibrahim said, “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 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between the doctors and the Federal Government following the union’s 2025 industrial action.
The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although the implementation was expected to begin in January 2026, delays reportedly pushed the rollout to February.
However, NARD alleged that the government planned to discontinue the implementation by April, a move the association said violates previous agreements and undermines trust.
Doctors List Key Demands
Outlining the union’s demands, Ibrahim called on the government to reverse its decision and settle outstanding entitlements owed to doctors.
He further stated, “We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026.
“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.”
He also demanded the payment of long-standing arrears owed to resident doctors.
Ibrahim said, “We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.”
The NARD president urged members nationwide to remain united during the industrial action.
“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and to pursue it to a logical conclusion,” he added.
