The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing what it described as the federal government’s plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key component of agreements reached after its 2025 industrial action.
- +Resident Doctors declare indefinite strike nationwide over pay dispute
The decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held on Saturday, April 4, where members unanimously resolved to embark on what they described as a “total and comprehensive” industrial action.
The decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held on Saturday, April 4, where members unanimously resolved to embark on what they described as a “total and comprehensive” industrial action.
The strike is said to commence amid escalating tensions in Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
In a statement signed by Shuaibu Ibrahim, a medical doctor and NARD’s secretary general,the association described the government’s move as a breach of trust and a direct threat to doctors’ welfare.
He noted that the revised PAT, which includes improved call duty allowances, shift pay, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments, was initially scheduled for implementation in January 2026 but suffered delays before being rolled out in February.
NARD, however, alleged that the government now intends to discontinue the scheme by April, prompting outrage among its members.
The association outlined four key demands for suspending the strike. These include the immediate reversal of the decision to stop PAT implementation, payment of promotion and salary arrears owed to doctors in affected centres, prompt disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MTRF), and settlement of 19 months’ outstanding PAT arrears.
Healthcare analysts warn that the strike could severely disrupt services across public hospitals, where resident doctors provide the bulk of care. Outpatient services may shut down, surgeries could be delayed, and pressure on private hospitals is expected to rise.
Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under strain, with a doctor-to-patient ratio estimated at 2.9 per 10,000 patients, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 17 per 10,000 patients.
Repeated industrial actions have also contributed to the growing exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
As the strike deadline approaches, stakeholders are urging urgent government intervention to avert another healthcare crisis that could leave millions without access to essential medical services.
