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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike beginning 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over what it described as the Nigerian Government’s plan to discontinue the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key agreement reached after its 2025 industrial action.
The decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday, a move expected to significantly disrupt healthcare delivery across public hospitals nationwide.
Announcing the resolution, NARD President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the development was regrettable and accused the government of reneging on agreed terms.
He said the association was informed of plans to stop the implementation of the allowance structure, describing it as a breach of trust following earlier negotiations.
According to him, the National Executive Council unanimously agreed to embark on a total and comprehensive strike action starting at the scheduled time.
“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.”
The dispute centres on the implementation of the revised PAT, which was negotiated after a prolonged strike in 2025 and included improved allowances covering call duty, shift duty, rural postings, and non-clinical responsibilities.
Although implementation was initially slated for January 2026 and later shifted to February, the doctors allege that the government is now moving to suspend the process entirely by April.
NARD said the development undermines previous agreements and has demanded an immediate reversal of the decision, alongside the settlement of outstanding entitlements.
The association also called for the payment of promotion and salary arrears in affected institutions, as well as the completion of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund payments for 2026.
It further demanded the settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears.
“We demand the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the PAT starting in April 2026,” he said.
“There must be immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in affected 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 union urged its members nationwide to remain united, insisting that the action was necessary to address what it described as unfair treatment.
