The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over a dispute with the federal government on doctors’ allowances.
The decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held on April 4, where members unanimously resolved to embark on what they described as a “total and comprehensive” industrial action.
In a statement signed by Shuaibu Ibrahim, its Secretary-General, the association accused the government of planning to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key agreement reached after the doctors’ 2025 strike.
The revised PAT includes enhanced call duty allowances, shift pay, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties. Although originally scheduled for January 2026, it was delayed and eventually implemented in February.
However, NARD alleged that the government now plans to discontinue the scheme by April, describing the move as a breach of trust and a direct threat to doctors’ welfare.
The association listed four conditions for suspending the strike:
- Immediate reversal of the decision to halt PAT implementation
- Payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears
- Release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MTRF)
- Settlement of 19 months’ unpaid PAT arrears
Analysts warn that the strike could significantly disrupt services in public hospitals, where resident doctors provide the bulk of care. Outpatient services may be suspended, surgeries delayed, and pressure on private hospitals is expected to increase.
Nigeria’s healthcare system is already stretched, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 2.9 per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organisation benchmark of 17 per 10,000.
Frequent industrial actions have also accelerated the migration of Nigerian doctors seeking better opportunities abroad.
As the strike deadline approaches, stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention to prevent another major disruption that could leave millions without access to essential healthcare services.
