Pat Stevens/
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared a nationwide industrial action scheduled to begin at midnight on Tuesday, 7 April 7, 2026, following what it described as the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
The decision was reached during an extraordinary virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on Saturday, according to a communiqué signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim.
In the statement, NARD expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s move, describing it as “unfortunate” and a trigger for avoidable disruption in the health sector.
“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 what it described as extensive deliberations, the association resolved to embark on what it termed a “total industrial and comprehensive strike”.
“NEC decided to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026,” the statement read.
The doctors outlined a list of demands they want addressed before the strike can be called off.
Chief among them is the immediate reversal of the decision to halt the implementation of the PAT from April 2026.
They also demanded the payment of promotion and salary arrears owed to members in several centres, as well as the prompt conclusion of payments related to the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MTRF).
In addition, the association is seeking the immediate processing and settlement of outstanding 19 months’ arrears tied to the Professional Allowance Table.
“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and to pursue it to a logical conclusion,” Ibrahim stated.
The latest development adds to a long history of industrial disputes between resident doctors and the Federal Government, often centred on remuneration, welfare, and funding of the health sector.
Previous strikes by NARD have led to significant disruptions in public hospitals across Nigeria, raising concerns about access to healthcare services, particularly for low-income patients who rely heavily on government facilities.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Federal Government regarding the latest strike notice.
Health sector analysts warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address the concerns raised, the impending strike could further strain Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
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