The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite nationwide strike following the federal government’s reported decision to stop implementing the revised professional allowance table (PAT).
The decision was disclosed by the association’s Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, after a virtual extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.
According to Ibrahim, the strike action is set to commence at midnight on Tuesday, April 7.
He described the government’s move as disappointing, accusing it of forcing doctors into another round of 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.”
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The dispute is linked to a previously agreed revised allowance structure reached after a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved pay for resident doctors, covering areas such as call duty, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.
Although implementation was initially slated for January 2026 and later postponed to February, the association alleged that the government now intends to halt the process entirely by April.
NARD said the decision breaches earlier agreements and erodes trust between both parties.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” Ibrahim said.
“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears for specific centres, as well as the prompt conclusion of the process of paying the 2026 medical residency training fund.
“We also insist on the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance.”
The association further urged its members across the country to stay united and remain committed to the strike until their demands are met.