The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans for a nationwide strike set to begin on Tuesday, April 7, following recent reviews of the Professional Allowance Table and ongoing consultations with the Federal Government.
The announcement was made by Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD Secretary General, in a statement on Saturday. He explained that the decision came after extensive deliberations among members nationwide and reflects a collective commitment to improving healthcare delivery and collaboration with authorities.
According to Ibrahim, the resolution was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually, where participants emphasised continued engagement with the government to secure outcomes that benefit both doctors and patients.
The association stated that the strike will commence at 12 a.m. on Tuesday and will involve members across federal, state, and private medical institutions. While the action is nationwide, NARD emphasised its openness to dialogue and timely resolution with the government.
Central to the doctors’ demands is the reinstatement of the Professional Allowance Table, which the association describes as critical for enhancing welfare, boosting morale, and retaining skilled medical professionals across Nigeria. NARD also called for the prompt payment of promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors.
In addition, the association urged the government to ensure the timely release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, highlighting that improved funding would strengthen professional development, expand training opportunities, and enhance the capacity of the national healthcare sector.
Ibrahim encouraged members to remain united and focused, stressing that the leadership’s efforts aim to secure fairness, improve working conditions, and foster a more resilient and responsive healthcare system. The association reaffirmed its commitment to sustained dialogue with authorities and expressed optimism that negotiations would produce positive results for practitioners and patients alike.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted that the Professional Allowance Table is designed to standardise doctors’ remuneration, ensure consistent payments, and improve administrative efficiency across the national healthcare system.
Observers have pointed out that ongoing discussions between NARD and the Federal Government provide a platform to resolve welfare concerns, strengthen cooperation, and safeguard the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services nationwide.
