The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following a breakdown in agreements with the Federal Government.
The decision was reached after the association’s virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday, with the move expected to significantly disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its National President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association described the situation as “unfortunate,” accusing the government of forcing doctors into another round of industrial action.
According to Ibrahim, the dispute centres on the Federal Government’s decision to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a key part of agreements reached after NARD’s 2025 strike.
The agreement included improved remuneration for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.
Although the implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026, it was delayed until February. NARD now alleges that the government plans to discontinue the process entirely by April, a move the association says undermines trust and violates prior commitments.
The association is demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, along with the full settlement of all outstanding entitlements owed to its members.
The looming strike raises concerns about the already strained healthcare system, as patients across the country may face delays in medical services if the impasse is not resolved promptly.
What you should know
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite strike starting April 7, 2026, over the Federal Government’s decision to halt a previously agreed allowance structure.
The dispute stems from unmet commitments following the 2025 strike.
If unresolved, the action could severely disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide, increasing pressure on an already overstretched medical system.
