The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced plans to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The decision was reached at the end of the association’s virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday, April 4.
In a statement issued by its National President, Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association described the situation as “unfortunate,” blaming the Federal Government for pushing doctors toward another round of industrial action.
According to Ibrahim, the dispute centres on the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table, which had been agreed upon between NARD and the government following the prolonged strike in 2025.
The agreement, he explained, included improved remuneration for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties. Although implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026, it was delayed until February.
NARD, however, alleged that the government now intends to halt the process by April, a move the association says undermines trust and breaches previously agreed terms.
The body has called for the immediate reversal of the decision and the payment of all outstanding entitlements.
The planned strike is expected to significantly disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria if it proceeds as scheduled.
