Resident doctors declare nationwide strike over scrapped allowance

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a nationwide total and comprehensive strike set to begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the Professional Allowance Table (PAT).

The decision was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, April 4.

In a communique signed by the Secretary-General of the association, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD described the government’s move to halt the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table from April 2026 as “unfortunate” and unacceptable to its members.

The association warned that the development could further strain Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.

According to the communique, members of the National Executive Council extensively deliberated on the issue before resolving to embark on nationwide industrial action to compel the federal government to reverse the decision and address other outstanding financial obligations owed to resident doctors.

NARD said: “The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a development deemed unfortunate.

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“Following extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total industrial and comprehensive strike beginning at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.”

NARD demanded the immediate reversal of the policy, stressing that the Professional Allowance Table remains a crucial component of the remuneration structure for resident doctors.

The association also called on the Federal Government to settle outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to doctors in several training centres nationwide.

Among other demands, the resident doctors urged the prompt conclusion of the process for the payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MTRF), as well as the immediate processing and payment of outstanding arrears of the Professional Allowance Table covering 19 months.

NARD urged members across the country to remain united as the association prepares to enforce the strike directive.

“The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and pursue it to a logical conclusion,” the association stated.

If the strike proceeds as scheduled, government hospitals across Nigeria may experience significant service disruptions, potentially leaving thousands of patients seeking alternative medical care.