Nigeria, April 5 -- The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike, citing the federal government's decision to suspend the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and failure to meet longstanding financial obligations to its members.

The decision was disclosed in a communique issued at the end of a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, 4 April.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD described the government's decision on the PAT as "unfortunate" and a significant setback to efforts to improve the welfare of resident doctors.

NARD said its members would embark on a "total and comprehensive industrial a...