Public healthcare across Nigeria has ground to a halt this morning, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) officially commenced a nationwide indefinite strike.
The decision follows an emergency virtual National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held on Saturday, where the association’s leadership, led by President Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, expressed deep frustration over what they described as a “betrayal of trust” by the Federal Government.
The Breaking Point: The PAT Dispute
The core of the crisis is the Professional Allowance Table (PAT)—a hard-won remuneration structure negotiated after the 29-day strike in late 2025.
- The Promise: The agreement included significantly improved call duty, shift, rural posting, and non-clinical allowances.
- The Reality: While implementation finally began in February 2026 after a month’s delay, NARD alleges the government is now unilaterally scrapping the table effective this April.
- The Demand: Doctors are demanding an immediate reversal of this decision and the settlement of 19 months of outstanding arrears related to these professional allowances.
Immediate Impact on Hospitals
With resident doctors making up the largest percentage of the medical workforce in tertiary institutions, the “total and comprehensive” industrial action is already being felt:
- Emergency Services: Most federal and state-owned teaching hospitals have transitioned to “skeletal services,” with consultants and house officers (where available) attempting to manage critical cases.
- Surgeries & Clinics: Routine surgeries and out-patient department (OPD) consultations have been suspended indefinitely in most centers.
- Referrals: Patients are already being turned away from major hubs like the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and National Hospital, Abuja, forcing many to seek more expensive care in private facilities.
The “Four-Point” Ultimatum
NARD has stated they will not return to work until the following conditions are met:
- Full Reinstatement: Immediate reversal of the decision to stop the PAT implementation.
- Arrears Settlement: Payment of the 19-month PAT arrears and outstanding promotion/salary arrears.
- Residency Funding: Prompt conclusion and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- No Work, No Pay Waiver: Clarification on the protection of doctors’ salaries during this period of industrial action.
