JUST-IN: Resident Doctors Declare Nationwide Strike From Tuesday

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said that its members will commence a nationwide strike beginning 12 a.m on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, over the alleged move to remove the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) from their remuneration structure by the Federalg Government.

The decision was taken after a virtual extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting of NARD, held on Saturday, April 4.

In a statement issued by NARD’s Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association said the removal of the PAT and other unresolved welfare issues necessitated a total industrial and comprehensive actions.

NARD listed four major demands that must be met before the strike can be suspended. These include reversal of the decision to stop the implementation of PAT starting April 2026, immediate payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to members across specific centers, prompt conclusion and payment of the 2026 Medical Training Residency Fund (MTRF), and immediate processing and settlement of the outstanding 19 months of PAT arrears.

The association urged all its members nationwide to “remain united” as they confront what it described as an injustice to the medical workforce.

The industrial action is expected to significantly disrupt services across federal and state-owned hospitals, heightening concerns over access to care in an already strained healthcare system.