Healthcare services across Nigeria may face major disruption as resident doctors under the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) begin a nationwide strike today, Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The industrial action is expected to affect services in federal and state-owned hospitals, following unresolved issues between the association and the Federal Government.
NARD said the strike became necessary after the government reportedly stopped the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key part of an earlier agreement reached with the doctors.
The association described the decision as unacceptable, insisting that it had no option but to embark on a total and comprehensive strike.
Among the demands of the doctors are the immediate restoration of the revised allowance structure, payment of promotion and salary arrears, settlement of 19 months outstanding allowance arrears, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The Professional Allowance Table covers payments such as call duty, shift allowances, and other work-related incentives for resident doctors.
Speaking on the development, NARD Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the association was still willing to suspend the strike if the Federal Government reverses its decision.
He said the union deliberately delayed the commencement of the strike to allow room for last-minute intervention.
According to him, once the government restores the directive, the association would take note, whether or not it is formally communicated.
Ibrahim added that the concerns raised by resident doctors also affect other categories of healthcare workers in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Abia State chapter of NARD has confirmed it will fully comply with the national directive.
The state chairman, Dr Godwin Alaede, said the branch was fully prepared to join the indefinite strike from midnight.
He maintained that better welfare and proper remuneration for doctors would improve performance and service delivery in the health sector.
Alaede, however, expressed regret over the inconvenience the strike may cause patients, while assuring that consultants and nurses would help cushion the impact.
He also disclosed that the state chapter would hold another congress to review any resolution that may emerge from ongoing talks between the national body and the Federal Government.
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