The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a nationwide industrial action starting Tuesday, April 7. The strike follows the Federal Government's revision of the Professional Allowance Table policy framework, which the association said failed to reflect earlier agreements. Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD's Secretary General, announced the action in a statement issued on Saturday, citing insufficient progress in negotiations and lack of constructive dialogue with health authorities. The association claims the revised policy undermines years of medical training and service commitment.
NARD members are demanding full restoration of the original allowance structure and immediate resumption of meaningful talks with the Federal Ministry of Health. The industrial action affects federal medical centres across the country, with doctors suspending non-emergency services. Hospitals in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt reported reduced staffing and postponed elective procedures. The association warned that the strike may escalate if the government does not respond within 48 hours.
Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim's announcement of a strike over the Professional Allowance Table signals deepening discontent among resident doctors. The timing—during a period of ongoing health sector reforms—exposes a gap between policy decisions and frontline medical workers' expectations. For Nigerians, this means further strain on already fragile hospital services, particularly in federal teaching hospitals. The situation reflects the difficulty of maintaining healthcare stability when key professionals feel excluded from policy implementation.
