The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike after the federal government moved to stop the implementation of the revised professional allowance table (PAT).
NARD’s secretary-general, Shuaibu Ibrahim, revealed the decision after the association convened a virtual extraordinary national executive council (NEC) meeting on Saturday.
He stated that the strike will begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
Ibrahim described the situation as “unfortunate,” accusing the federal government of forcing doctors into another phase 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 industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”
The disagreement stems from the rollout of a revised professional allowance table earlier negotiated by NARD and the federal government after a prolonged strike in 2025.
The deal included provisions for better pay for resident doctors, such as call duty allowances, shift incentives, rural posting bonuses, and payments for non-clinical responsibilities.
Although the rollout was first scheduled for January 2026 and later postponed to February, NARD alleged that the government now intends to halt the process by April.
The association said the decision damages trust and violates previous agreements.
NARD is calling for an immediate reversal of the move, alongside payment of all outstanding benefits.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” Ibrahim said.
“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears for specific 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.”
The association further appealed to its members nationwide to remain resolute and carry the action through to a “logical conclusion.”
