Nigeria Doctors Launch Indefinite Strike Over Allowances

Nigeria's resident doctors launched an indefinite nationwide strike at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, protesting the federal government's decision to suspend implementation of a revised professional allowance table and failure to pay longstanding arrears. The action, announced by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), coincides with World Health Day and threatens widespread disruptions in public hospitals across the country.

NARD's National Executive Council made the decision following a virtual meeting on April 4, citing the government's plan to discontinue the allowance framework starting in April 2026. The table, negotiated after a 2025 strike, covers payments for call duties, rural postings, shift work, and nonclinical responsibilities. Implementation had begun in February but faced delays, leaving members without the promised benefits. Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim described the suspension as unfortunate, stating it undermined trust and pushed the sector toward crisis. He outlined key demands, including reversal of the suspension, payment of 19 months of outstanding professional allowances, settlement of promotion and salary arrears in affected...