“The National Executive Council was informed about the Federal Government’s decision to remove the Professional Allowance Table, a development deemed unfortunate,” he said. The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments. Healthcare analysts note that disputes over allowances and welfare have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s health sector, contributing to frequent strikes by medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association. Resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in tertiary hospitals, handling a large proportion of patient care. An indefinite strike could lead to the shutdown of outpatient services, delays in surgeries, and increased pressure on private healthcare facilities, raising concerns among patients and health advocates.

Source: Punch April 05, 2026 09:07 UTC