Doctors Strike Over 19 Months Unpaid Allowances as Patients Turned Away from Federal Hospitals

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, withdrawing services across all public hospitals in protest against the federal government’s reversal of a key allowance structure and the non-payment of salary arrears.

The industrial action follows a directive issued after an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where members expressed “grave concern and total disappointment” over the government’s decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), effective April 2026. The association described the move as a breach of prior agreements and a threat to the already fragile welfare conditions of resident doctors.

Beyond the policy reversal, NARD highlighted several unresolved financial obligations, including persistent delays in the payment of promotion and salary arrears in several institutions despite repeated assurances from the government. The association is also demanding the immediate disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the settlement of 19 months’ outstanding professional allowance arrears.

NARD President Mohammad Usman Suleiman accused the government of a “pattern of neglect, insensitivity, and lack of commitment” towards the welfare of resident doctors. The NEC rejected the government’s decision and demanded the immediate reinstatement of the allowance structure, warning that the recurring disputes could further destabilise the public health system.

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