Resident doctors to begin nationwide strike Tuesday

Abuja: The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans for a nationwide engagement beginning Tuesday April 7, following the Federal Government’s review of the Professional Allowance Table policy framework and constructive dialogue.

The Secretary General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed this in a Saturday statement, noting the decision followed extensive consultations among members nationwide, reflecting shared commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and collaboration efforts.

He explained the resolution was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually, where participants encouraged continued engagement with government to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for doctors and patients.

According to the association, the planned action will commence at 12 a.m. Tuesday, involving members across federal, state, and private institutions, while maintaining openness to dialogue and timely resolution efforts ongoing.

The association emphasised the importance of reinstating the Professional Allowance Table, describing it as vital to enhancing welfare, boosting morale, and supporting retention of skilled medical professionals across the country nationwide.

It highlighted the need for prompt payment of promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors, expressing optimism that ongoing discussions would facilitate resolutions that benefited practitioners and the healthcare system.

NARD further encouraged timely release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, noting that improved funding would enhance training opportunities, professional development, and overall capacity within Nigeria’s healthcare sector going forward.

The association reiterated the importance of settling outstanding allowance arrears, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts between stakeholders would ease financial pressures and reinforce commitment among resident doctors serving communities nationwide effectively.

Members were encouraged to remain united and focused, as leadership underscored that ongoing engagement aimed to secure fairness, strengthened working conditions, and promoted a more resilient and responsive healthcare system nationwide.

The association affirmed its commitment to sustained dialogue with authorities, expressing optimism that efforts would yield positive outcomes, while reinforcing its role in advancing the welfare and professional interests of members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Professional Allowance Table is designed to standardise doctors’ remuneration, ensuring consistency in payments and supporting improved administration across the national healthcare system framework.

Observers note that ongoing discussions between NARD and the Federal Government continue to provide opportunities for resolving welfare concerns, strengthening cooperation, and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services nationwide effectively.