The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced that it will begin a total and indefinite strike from 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to stop the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table.
According to the association, the decision followed reports that the government intends to discontinue the allowance structure that was agreed upon after the 2025 industrial action.
NARD had earlier secured a revised Professional Allowance Table that covers improved call duty, shift, non-clinical, and rural posting allowances.
The implementation was originally expected to commence in January 2026.
Although the process reportedly started in February, the association alleged that the government now plans to halt it from April.
In a statement titled “FG Drags NARD to Another Avoidable Strike,” released after its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on April 4, 2026, NARD Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the situation as unfortunate and avoidable.
He called on the government to immediately reverse the decision to suspend the implementation of the PAT.
The association also demanded the payment of promotion arrears and outstanding salary arrears owed in affected centres, alongside the speedy completion of the process for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
In addition, NARD insisted on the immediate processing and payment of 19 months of unpaid Professional Allowance arrears.
The association urged its members across the country to remain united, while reaffirming its commitment to pursue the matter until it is fully resolved.
