Healthcare Crisis Looms!” – National Association Of Resident Doctors Declares Indefinite Strike From April 7

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, citing the Federal Government’s plan to suspend the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.

The decision was reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on Saturday.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, NARD President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the development as regrettable, accusing the Federal Government of forcing doctors into another round of industrial action.

He explained that the council was briefed on the government’s intention to discontinue the Professional Allowance Table, a move the association strongly opposed.

Following deliberations, the council resolved to embark on a total and indefinite strike starting April 7.

The dispute originates from the revised Professional Allowance Table agreed upon after the union’s 2025 strike, which included improved pay structures such as call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and compensation for non-clinical duties.

Although implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026 and later shifted to February due to delays, NARD alleged that the government now plans to halt it entirely by April—an action the union says breaches prior agreements and erodes trust.

Outlining its demands, the association called on the government to reverse the decision and settle all outstanding financial obligations owed to doctors.

These include immediate payment of promotion and salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the timely disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

The union also insisted on the payment of 19 months’ outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.

NARD leadership further urged its members across the country to remain united and committed throughout the strike, emphasizing the need to collectively address what it described as an injustice.