Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to begin a total and indefinite nationwide strike from midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The association said the decision was due to what it described as the Federal Government’s plan to stop the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, also known as PAT.
The decision was reached during its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
In a statement titled “FG Drags NARD to Another Avoidable Strike,” NARD Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, expressed concern that the government intends to discontinue the allowance structure earlier agreed upon after the association’s 2025 strike.
NARD explained that the revised PAT covers improved call duty allowance, shift allowance, rural posting incentives and non-clinical duty payments, with implementation initially expected to begin in January 2026.
Although the implementation reportedly commenced in February, the association alleged that the Federal Government now plans to stop the process in April.
Describing the development as “unfortunate and avoidable,” Ibrahim demanded the immediate reversal of the decision to suspend the PAT implementation.
The association also called for the payment of promotion arrears and outstanding salary arrears in affected centres, as well as the speedy conclusion of the process for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
NARD also demanded the immediate processing and payment of 19 months outstanding arrears of the Professional Allowance.
The association urged its members across the country to remain united, insisting that it is determined to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.
RN
