The Federal Government has reversed its earlier decision on implementing the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT) for resident doctors, committing to settle outstanding arrears and fund training programmes in a move that averts a protracted industrial action. The disclosure was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ emergency National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, following weeks of tension between the association and the government over unresolved welfare issues.
At the centre of the dispute was the government’s decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed PAT, which the government has now reinstated, with the adjustment expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent payments. The doctors had also raised concerns over delayed payment of promotion and salary arrears, the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, and about 19 months of unpaid professional allowances. NARD had warned that these unresolved issues were affecting doctors’ morale and threatening the sustainability of healthcare delivery across the country.
In its communiqué, the association noted that the government renewed its commitment to pay all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions, and that initial approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund. The Budget Office has also indicated readiness to commence the process for the payment of 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance. However, NARD expressed concern over the continued delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries.
From a human capital perspective, the resolution of this dispute removes a major disruption risk to Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system. Doctors’ remuneration directly affects staff retention, morale, and patient outcomes. The government’s willingness to reverse its decision and commit to funding residency training will help stabilise the sector and reduce brain drain, a critical economic consideration given the substantial public investment in medical education.
