The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a nationwide action set to commence at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, following what it described as ongoing engagements with the Federal Government over welfare and remuneration concerns.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with members across the country and deliberations at an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually.
He noted that the planned action reflects the association’s collective resolve to strengthen healthcare delivery while sustaining dialogue with the government toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
According to NARD, the action will involve resident doctors in federal, state and private health institutions nationwide, even as it expressed readiness to continue negotiations and pursue timely resolutions.
Central to the dispute is the call for the reinstatement of the Professional Allowance Table, which the association described as critical to improving doctors’ welfare, boosting morale and curbing the migration of skilled medical personnel.
The association also urged the prompt payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to its members, expressing optimism that ongoing discussions would yield concrete results.
NARD further called for the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, stressing that adequate funding is essential to enhance training, support professional development and build capacity within the healthcare system.
While reiterating the need to clear all outstanding allowances, the association maintained that resolving these issues would ease financial pressures on doctors and reinforce their commitment to service delivery nationwide.
It urged members to remain united and focused, noting that its leadership remains committed to securing fair treatment, improved working conditions and a more resilient healthcare system.
The association also reaffirmed its openness to sustained engagement with relevant authorities, expressing confidence that ongoing negotiations would lead to positive outcomes for both practitioners and patients.
The Professional Allowance Table is intended to standardise remuneration for doctors, ensure consistency in payments and improve administrative efficiency within the health sector.
Observers say continued dialogue between NARD and the Federal Government presents an opportunity to address welfare concerns and safeguard uninterrupted healthcare services across the country.
