Healthcare services across Nigeria’s public hospitals face fresh disruption as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors declared an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to commence at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The decision, taken at the end of an emergency National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, follows what the association described as the Federal Government’s move to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, a central part of agreements reached after the doctors’ 2025 industrial action.
Announcing the resolution, NARD President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, faulted the government’s stance, warning that it had triggered another avoidable crisis in the already strained health sector.
He said the council viewed the planned discontinuation of the allowance structure as a breach of trust and a violation of prior agreements.
“After extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday,” he said.
The dispute centres on the revised allowance package negotiated in 2025, which included improved payments for call duties, shift work, rural postings and other professional responsibilities.
Although implementation began earlier this year after initial delays, the association alleged that authorities now intend to discontinue the process, a move it strongly opposed.
Beyond the reversal of the decision, the doctors are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, as well as the release of funds for the 2026 Medical Residency Training programme.
They also insisted on the settlement of 19 months’ arrears owed under the professional allowance scheme.
Ibrahim urged members nationwide to remain united, describing the action as necessary to protect their welfare and professional integrity.
The looming strike has heightened concerns over access to healthcare, particularly in public hospitals where resident doctors constitute a critical workforce responsible for a large share of patient care.
Industry observers warn that the shutdown could stall outpatient services, delay surgeries and further stretch private health facilities, worsening the burden on patients.
Nigeria’s healthcare system already grapples with a shortage of medical personnel, with doctor-to-patient ratios far below the benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization, raising fears that the industrial action could deepen existing gaps in service delivery.