The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared plans for a statewide strike commencing Tuesday, April 7, in response to the Federal Government’s review of the Professional Allowance Table policy framework and constructive engagement.
Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, Secretary General, said this in a statement on Saturday, stating that the decision was reached after extensive talks with members across the country, indicating a shared commitment to improving healthcare service and collaboration.
He stated that the conclusion was reached during a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, in which participants supported continuous collaboration with the government to produce mutually beneficial outcomes for doctors and patients.
According to the group, the strike will begin at 12 a.m. Tuesday, involving members from federal, state, and private institutions, while maintaining an openness to conversation and continuous efforts for fast resolution.
The group underlined the need of reintroducing the Professional Allowance Table, characterising it as critical to improving welfare, raising morale, and assisting with the retention of talented medical professionals across the country.
It emphasised the need of timely payment of promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors, and expressed confidence that continued discussions would lead to measures that benefited practitioners and the healthcare system.
NARD also supported the timely distribution of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, pointing out that increased financing will improve training opportunities, professional growth, and overall capability in Nigeria’s healthcare industry in the future.
The group emphasised the necessity of resolving outstanding allowance arrears, expressing optimism that joint efforts among stakeholders would alleviate financial burdens and strengthen dedication among resident doctors serving communities countrywide.
Members were encouraged to remain united and focused, as leadership emphasised that continuing involvement sought to ensure fairness, improve working conditions, and build a more resilient and responsive healthcare system across the country.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing engagement with authorities, expressing optimism that efforts would generate beneficial results, and emphasised its role in advancing members’ welfare and professional interests.
The Professional Allowance Table is intended to standardise doctor salary, providing consistency in payments and promoting better administration across the national healthcare system.