Doctors end strike, hospitals reopen

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide indefinite strike as of yesterday, April 7, 2026. This decision comes after high-level negotiations with the Federal Government and is intended as a "demonstration of goodwill" to allow for further dialogue.


Public hospitals are expected to resume full services, but the situation remains delicate.

Key Details of the Suspension
The Ultimatum: The suspension is conditional. NARD has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, expiring on April 21, 2026. If concrete progress isn't made by then, the union has warned they will resume the strike without further notice.

Intervention: The breakthrough followed meetings involving Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.

Core Demands:

Reversal of the decision to halt the Professional Allowance Table (PAT).


Payment of 19 months of arrears for the professional allowance.


Settlement of outstanding salary and promotion arrears.

Release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

What This Means for You
Hospitals Reopening: Resident doctors, who make up a large portion of the workforce in teaching hospitals and federal medical centers, have been directed to return to their posts.

Service Availability: Outpatient clinics, elective surgeries, and routine consultations that were threatened by the April 7 start date should now be proceeding as scheduled.

While the immediate crisis has been averted, the health sector remains on watch until the April 21 deadline to see if the government fulfills the agreed-upon terms.