By Peter Effiom
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a nationwide strike that would start at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and last indefinitely.
Following a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, April 2, 2026, the decision was made public in a communiqué.
The government’s intention to halt the implementation of the updated Professional Allowance Table (PAT) in April 2026, in violation of a prior agreement, and its inability to fulfill long-standing financial responsibilities to its members are the reasons behind the decision to go on strike. The government’s PAT decision, according to NARD, is regrettable and a major blow to initiatives to enhance resident physicians’ well-being.
NARD also seeks the reinstatement of five doctors in Lokoja, the prompt payment of 19 months’ worth of unpaid arrears, and the payment of salary and promotion arrears.
The goal of the “indefinite” and “total” strike (TICS) is to stop all clinical services at all 91 participating institutions. NARD has called on its members to unite in their opposition to the injustice and to see that the issue is properly resolved.
After talks with the federal government, the NARD’s 29-day nationwide strike in 2025 was put on hold. This resulted in a suspended action on November 27, 2025, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Since NARD members are the primary physicians in teaching hospitals and federal medical facilities, it is anticipated that the strike will significantly impair healthcare services in public tertiary hospitals throughout Nigeria. Because public hospitals are compelled to reduce services during these strikes, patients are frequently the most severely affected.
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