NARD: Why Nigerian Resident Doctors suspend planned nationwide strike

*The National Executive Council of the National Association of Resident Doctors Association announces the suspension of its planned strike from Tuesday, April 7 resulted from ‘progress made’ in negotiations with the Federal Government, particularly commitments to prompt payment of salary arrears and hazard allowances, ongoing other demands

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to its earlier threat to embark on a nationwide industrial action, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) Tuesday, April 7, 2026, announced the suspension of the planned strike.

ConsumerConnect reports the NARD decided to suspend the action after reaching some understanding with the Federal Government on the members’ major demands.

The Association had demanded, among others, the payment of outstanding allowances and improvements in the affected medical doctors’ welfare.

NARD reportedly took the latest decision to suspend the planned industrial action after an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC).

The NEC, at the meeting reviewed assurances from the Federal Government’s representatives, and resolved to give dialogue another chance in the dispute.

The Association also said the suspension of the strikes resulted from “progress made” in negotiations with the Federal Government, particularly commitments to the prompt payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and steps toward resolving issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.

Through the Association did not agreeing to a full resolution of the trade dispute, it nonetheless, said the government had indicated “renewed willingness” to address the concerns that triggered the strike threat.

Stoppage of PAT ‘unfortunate and unacceptable’ -Doctors

Earlier, the Resident Doctors after their recent extraordinary virtual meeting of the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) April 4, had disagreed with the government’s decision to stop the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT).

They subsequently, urged members to commence a total and indefinite nationwide strike effective from Tuesday, April 7.

The Association also cited the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the implementation of the PAT as “unfortunate and unacceptable”.

The Resident Doctors, among other specific issues, frowned on the abrupt decision to halt the PAT, which was agreed upon in 2025.

NARD equally noted accumulated arrears, including the non-payment of salaries and promotion arrears for several doctors.

Another key demand is the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), resulting from low pace in paying the 2026 fund.

Other grievances poor working conditions and a continued exodus of staff to foreign countries.

The Association, therefore, urged the prompt conclusion of the process for the payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

The Resident Doctors as well demanded the immediate processing and payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance under the PAT.

Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Secretary-General of NARD, in a statement at the weekend, had said the Association’s NEC urged Resident Doctors members nationwide to remain united and committed to the industrial action until its demands are met.

Ibrahim stated: “The NARD leadership calls on its members to unite in the fight against this injustice and seek to pursue it to a logical conclusion.”

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