Nigerian Doctors Call Off Strike After Government Agreement

Thousands of resident doctors across Nigeria have suspended their planned nationwide strike after the government agreed to restore professional allowances and clear years of unpaid wages. The breakthrough came just hours before the walkout would have crippled healthcare services for millions.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors had been ready to launch an indefinite strike over reversed pay increases and unpaid salaries. But after an emergency meeting on Saturday, April 25, 2026, leadership announced they were standing down following fresh commitments from federal officials.

The government agreed to reinstate a reviewed Professional Allowance Table that had been controversially reversed. Doctors will see the increased payments starting with their April salaries.

Even better news: the government committed to clearing a massive backlog of 19 months of unpaid professional allowances. The Budget Office has already begun the process to settle these arrears, which have left many doctors struggling financially while serving their communities.

Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association's president, said the decision came after high-level interventions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and key ministers. The government also approved the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund and promised to pay outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed across affected hospitals.

The Bright Side

This breakthrough offers immediate relief to Nigeria's healthcare system, which has faced repeated disruptions from labor disputes. Patients scheduled for surgeries, treatments, and routine care can now proceed without interruption.

The agreement shows what's possible when both sides come to the table willing to listen. Doctors have long struggled with delayed payments and inadequate allowances despite working in challenging conditions, and this resolution acknowledges their essential contributions.

The association hasn't declared total victory yet. They've set a review date for May to ensure the government follows through on its promises, maintaining accountability while giving officials time to implement the changes.

One concern remains unresolved: house officers still face salary payment delays. The association has called for an urgent stakeholders meeting to address this issue and ensure Nigeria's newest doctors receive fair treatment too.

For now, hospitals across Africa's most populous nation can continue serving patients without disruption, while doctors have received concrete commitments that their welfare concerns will be addressed.