Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Allowance Dispute Nationwide
Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Resident doctors across Nigeria announce an indefinite nationwide strike starting April 7, threatening major disruptions to public healthcare services.
The strike, declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), follows what it describes as the Federal Government’s plan to halt implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” NARD President Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim says.
“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,” he adds.
The disputed allowance structure covers call duty, shift pay, rural postings and non-clinical duties, negotiated after the 2025 strike.
NARD demands immediate reversal of the decision, payment of salary and promotion arrears, and settlement of 19 months’ outstanding allowance backlog.
“We demand the reversal of the decision… There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears,” Ibrahim says.
Health experts warn the strike could cripple public hospitals, delay surgeries and push patients toward already strained private facilities.
With Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio below global standards, stakeholders urge urgent dialogue to prevent further collapse of essential services.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
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