Resident doctors under the umbrella of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have commenced a nationwide strike today, April 7, 2026, raising fears of major disruption in public hospitals across Nigeria.
The strike, which is expected to affect both federal and state-owned health facilities, follows unresolved disputes between the doctors and the Federal Government over unpaid allowances and changes to previously agreed policies. Patients who depend on government hospitals are likely to face delays, reduced services, or even complete shutdowns in some departments.
This latest industrial action adds to growing concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Since the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu began in 2023, resident doctors have spent a total of 51 days on strike. These include two major strikes and a warning action between 2023 and 2025.
Many health experts say repeated strikes are weakening the system and putting pressure on both patients and remaining health workers. In most public hospitals, resident doctors form the backbone of medical services. They are often the first point of contact for patients and handle a large share of emergency and routine care.
The immediate cause of the new strike is the Federal Government’s reported decision to stop the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table. This allowance structure was a key part of an agreement reached after a prolonged strike in 2025.
The Professional Allowance Table is designed to regulate payments for doctors, including call duty allowances, shift duties, and other incentives linked to their work. It was introduced to improve the welfare of doctors and encourage better service delivery, especially in busy and under-resourced hospitals.
However, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has accused the government of reversing this agreement. In a recent statement, the association described the move as “unfortunate” and said it had no choice but to embark on another strike.
According to the association, its National Executive Council reached the decision after reviewing what it called the government’s failure to honour earlier commitments. The strike has been described as “total and comprehensive,” meaning doctors are expected to withdraw all services during the period.
In addition to demanding the restoration of the allowance table, the doctors are also calling for the payment of promotion arrears and salary backlogs. They are asking the government to settle 19 months of outstanding allowance arrears and to release the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The training fund is an important part of the residency programme in Nigeria. It supports the education and development of young doctors who are undergoing specialist training. Delays in releasing the fund can affect training schedules and slow down the production of specialists needed in the health sector.
The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to the 2025 agreement between the government and resident doctors. That agreement followed a long strike that disrupted healthcare services nationwide. At the time, both sides agreed on a revised allowance structure aimed at improving working conditions and reducing the chances of future strikes.
The implementation of the new allowance system was initially scheduled to begin in January 2026 but was later moved to February. However, doctors say the process has been irregular and was eventually stopped without clear explanation.
This development has increased tension between the two sides, with doctors insisting that the government must respect agreements to maintain trust. Labour experts warn that failure to keep such agreements often leads to repeated industrial actions.
As of the time of this report, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has not issued an official statement regarding the strike. This silence has added to uncertainty, especially for patients and hospital administrators who are trying to manage the situation.
Across Nigeria, public hospitals play a major role in providing affordable healthcare to millions of citizens. Many people cannot afford private hospitals, which makes any disruption in public health services a serious issue.
In past strikes, hospitals have experienced overcrowding in emergency units, postponement of surgeries, and reduced access to care. Some patients are forced to seek help in private facilities, where costs are often higher.
The ongoing dispute also raises questions about how the government manages agreements with professional groups. Experts say consistent dialogue and timely implementation of policies are necessary to avoid frequent disruptions.
For now, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how quickly the government and the doctors can reach a new agreement. Patients, especially those with urgent medical needs, are expected to be the most affected if the strike continues for long.
There are also concerns that prolonged industrial action could further strain an already fragile healthcare system. Stakeholders have called on both sides to return to the negotiating table and find a lasting solution.
As the strike begins today, uncertainty remains across hospitals nationwide. Further developments are expected in the coming days as negotiations either progress or tensions rise between the parties involved.