The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike, which began today.
The strike raised concerns over disruptions to healthcare services across federal and state-owned hospitals.
The industrial action followed unresolved disputes between the association and the federal government over unpaid allowances and policy reversals.
Since the administration of Bola Tinubu began in May 2023, resident doctors have spent a cumulative 51 days on strike, reflecting persistent tensions in the health sector.
The immediate trigger for the latest strike is the government’s reported decision to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table—an agreement reached after the doctors’ 2025 strike.
In a statement, NARD described the move as “unfortunate” and accused the government of forcing them into another avoidable industrial action.
The association’s demands include the immediate restoration of the allowance structure, payment of salary and promotion arrears, settlement of 19 months’ outstanding allowances, and release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The dispute centres on the Professional Allowance Table, which standardises payments for call duty, shift work, and other incentives critical to doctors’ welfare.
An analysis of previous actions shows a recurring pattern of strikes. In 2023, resident doctors embarked on a 17-day strike over welfare concerns and rising living costs following fuel subsidy removal. In 2025, they held a five-day warning strike in September and a 29-day strike in November.
Underlying issues include poor remuneration, delayed payments, inadequate training funding, and worsening working conditions. The mass migration of Nigerian doctors abroad has further strained the system, increasing workload and burnout among those who remain.
Doctors suspend strike
The NARD president, Mohammad Suleiman, made it known that following a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), resident doctors across the country have been ordered to resume work at 8am tomorrow, Wednesday.
He stated the federal government’s assurance on the reversal of the decision to cease the implementation of the professional allowance table (PAT) starting in April 2026.
He, however, disclosed that NARD has given the federal government an ultimatum of April 21, adding that failure to meet their demands would lead to strike action.
