Physicians-in-training announce complete work stoppage amid salary disagreement

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By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA

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Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system faces another major disruption as the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has declared a total and indefinite strike beginning midnight, Tuesday, April 7, accusing the Federal Government of provoking yet another avoidable industrial crisis.

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The decision was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (e-NEC) meeting held virtually on April 4, where the association strongly condemned the Federal Government’s move to discontinue the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), describing it as both “unfortunate” and unjustifiable.

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After what it termed exhaustive deliberations, NARD resolved to embark on a comprehensive industrial action, warning that the government’s action threatens the welfare of doctors and the stability of the nation’s health sector.

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What they want

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At the heart of the dispute is the controversial removal of the PAT, a key component of doctors’ remuneration. The association is demanding an immediate reversal of the policy, alongside the payment of long-standing financial obligations owed to its members.

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Specifically, NARD is calling for the prompt settlement of promotion and salary arrears affecting doctors in various centres, the immediate conclusion of payments under the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund,MRTF, and the clearance of outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.

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In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association urged its members nationwide to remain united and resolute, stressing that the strike is a necessary step to confront what it described as persistent injustice.

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The looming strike raises fresh concerns over access to healthcare services across the country, with patients likely to bear the brunt if urgent dialogue fails to avert the shutdown.

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