Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system is set for another major setback as the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a total and indefinite strike scheduled to commence at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.The decision followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held virtually on April 4, during which the association accused the Federal Government of triggering an avoidable industrial crisis.Central to the dispute is the government’s decision to discontinue the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key component of doctors’ remuneration. NARD described the move as unjustifiable and detrimental to both the welfare of its members and the stability of the nation’s health sector.After extensive deliberations, the association resolved to embark on a full-scale industrial action, insisting that the policy reversal is non-negotiable. It also demanded the immediate payment of outstanding financial obligations owed to doctors across the country.Among its key demands are the settlement of promotion and salary arrears in various health institutions, the timely disbursement of funds under the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and the clearance of 19 months’ outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD called on its members nationwide to remain united and steadfast, describing the strike as a necessary response to persistent grievances.The impending strike has heightened concerns over access to healthcare services, with patients likely to face significant challenges if urgent negotiations fail to resolve the impasse.
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