Resident doctors set to strike nationwide over pay dispute

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that its members will start a nationwide strike from 12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The strike is in response to the Federal Government’s plan to remove the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) from their pay structure.

The decision was made after a virtual emergency meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council on Saturday, April 4.

In a statement, NARD’s Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the strike is necessary due to the removal of the PAT and other unresolved welfare issues.

NARD listed four key demands that must be met to end the strike:
Reverse the decision to stop the PAT starting April 2026.
Pay all promotion and salary arrears owed to members.

Complete and pay the 2026 Medical Training Residency Fund (MTRF).
Settle the outstanding 19 months of PAT arrears.

The association urged all members to stay united in confronting what it called an injustice to the medical workforce.

The strike is expected to disrupt services in federal and state hospitals, raising concerns about access to healthcare in an already strained system.