Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Nationwide Strike Today Over Unpaid Salaries

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Healthcare services across Nigeria are set to face major disruption as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors(NARD) commences a nationwide strike today, April 7, 2026.

The industrial action, which affects federal and state-owned hospitals, is expected to significantly impact patient care, raising fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s health sector.

Reports indicate that resident doctors have spent a cumulative 51 days on strike since the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu began in May 2023. This includes two major strikes and a warning action between 2023 and 2025, highlighting persistent tensions between the government and health workers.

According to The PUNCH, the immediate cause of the latest strike is the Federal Government’s reported decision to halt the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table—an agreement reached following the 2025 strike.

In a statement, NARD described the move as “unfortunate,” accusing the government of forcing doctors into another avoidable industrial action. The association said its National Executive Council approved a “total and comprehensive strike” after reviewing the policy shift.

Among its demands, NARD is calling for the immediate reinstatement of the allowance table, payment of promotion and salary arrears, settlement of 19 months’ outstanding allowances, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

At the core of the dispute is the Professional Allowance Table, which standardises payments for call duties, shift work, and other incentives tied to doctors’ responsibilities.

A review of past actions shows a recurring pattern of disputes. In July 2023, resident doctors embarked on a strike that lasted 17 days, driven largely by welfare concerns and the economic strain following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

Doctors had complained that rising living costs were not matched by salary adjustments, making it increasingly difficult to cope. Issues such as delayed allowances, poor welfare packages, and inadequate funding for training also contributed to the unrest.

Another major concern has been the growing migration of Nigerian doctors abroad in search of better opportunities, a trend that has worsened staff shortages and increased workload on those remaining in the country.

In 2025, NARD carried out a five-day warning strike in September, followed by a 29-day full strike in November. The eventual agreement reached with the government included a revised allowance structure aimed at improving welfare, with implementation initially slated for January 2026 before being postponed to February.

However, doctors say the implementation has been inconsistent and has now been discontinued, triggering the current crisis.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has yet to issue an official response to the strike.

Speaking on the situation, NARD Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, noted that the association remains open to suspending the strike if the government reverses its decision.

He explained that the union delayed the action to allow room for reconsideration, stating that any reversal—whether officially communicated or not—would be acknowledged.

Meanwhile, the Abia State chapter of NARD has confirmed its readiness to fully comply with the national directive. The state chairman, Dr Godwin Alaede, said doctors in the state are “100 per cent prepared” to embark on an indefinite strike.

While expressing concern for patients, Alaede assured that consultants and nurses would help cushion the impact of the strike. He also noted that the branch would review any potential agreements arising from ongoing discussions between NARD and the Federal Government.

The development has once again placed the spotlight on Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system, with many Nigerians bracing for the effects of yet another prolonged disruption in medical services.