RismadarVoice Reporters, April 5, 2026
Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting at 12am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing the Federal Government’s alleged plan to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key part of agreements reached after the 2025 industrial action.
The decision, which threatens to disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals in the country, was made at the conclusion of NARD’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday.
Speaking on the outcome, NARD National President, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the situation as “unfortunate” and blamed the Federal Government for forcing doctors toward another 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 dispute arises from the implementation of the revised PAT, negotiated between NARD and the Federal Government after a prolonged strike in 2025.
The agreement included enhanced remuneration for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026 and later pushed to February, NARD alleges the government plans to halt the process by April.
The association says this move undermines trust and violates prior agreements.
Healthcare analysts note that recurring disputes over allowances and welfare have long contributed to frequent strikes in Nigeria’s health sector, often limiting access to services in public hospitals where the majority of citizens seek care.
Dr. Ibrahim demanded the immediate reversal of the government’s decision and settlement of all outstanding entitlements.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” he said.
The strike, if fully enforced, is expected to affect medical services in federal, state, and teaching hospitals nationwide.
