BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
Healthcare services across Nigeria face fresh disruption as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced a nationwide strike today, April 7, 2026, over unpaid allowances and unresolved welfare issues.
The industrial action is expected to impact federal and state-owned hospitals, raising concerns about access to medical care for patients across the country.
According to Frontline Reporters, resident doctors have cumulatively spent 51 days on strike since the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu began, highlighting persistent tensions between the government and health workers.
The latest strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s reported suspension of the revised Professional Allowance Table — a key component of the agreement that ended the 2025 strike.
In a strongly worded statement, NARD described the move as “unfortunate,” accusing authorities of forcing doctors into another avoidable shutdown. The association’s National Executive Council subsequently declared a “total and comprehensive strike.”
Key demands
The doctors are demanding:
- Immediate reinstatement of the revised allowance structure
- Payment of promotion and salary arrears
- Settlement of 19 months’ outstanding allowances
- Release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund
At the heart of the dispute is the Professional Allowance Table, which standardises payments such as call duty and shift allowances.
Pattern of recurring strikes
An analysis of recent industrial actions reveals a troubling pattern. Since 2023, resident doctors have embarked on multiple strikes driven largely by welfare concerns.
In July 2023, doctors downed tools for 17 days, citing poor remuneration and rising living costs following the removal of fuel subsidy. They also decried inadequate welfare packages, delayed allowances, and insufficient funding for training.
A five-day warning strike followed in September 2025, escalating into a full strike in November that lasted 29 days.
The current crisis stems from a 2025 agreement that introduced an improved allowance structure. Although implementation was scheduled for early 2026, doctors say it has been inconsistent and abruptly halted.
Government silence, mounting pressure
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had yet to issue an official response to the strike.
NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, hinted that the strike could be suspended if the government reverses its decision on the allowance policy.
“We gave them time because of the public holiday. Once the directive is reversed, we will know and act accordingly,” he said.
States join action
The Abia State chapter of NARD has confirmed full compliance with the national directive. Speaking after a congress in Umuahia, state chairman Dr. Godwin Alaede said members were “100 per cent prepared” for an indefinite strike.
While acknowledging the potential hardship for patients, he assured that consultants and nurses would help cushion the impact.
Growing concerns
The recurring strikes underscore deeper structural challenges in Nigeria’s health sector, including poor remuneration, staff shortages driven by migration abroad, and weak implementation of agreements.
With hospitals once again under strain, patients may bear the brunt of yet another standoff — unless urgent steps are taken to resolve the crisis.ing with the Federal Government on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENTS
