The Federal Government has announced plans to release ₦11.995 billion within 72 hours for the payment of outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowances, owed to doctors and other health workers across the country.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja and signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun.
According to the ministry, the move is part of ongoing efforts to address welfare concerns raised by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and other health unions, as well as to reaffirm the government's commitment to industrial peace and reform in the health sector.
The assurance followed a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, with the leadership of NARD, amid a nationwide strike involving about 11,000 resident doctors across 91 healthcare facilities.
The ministry revealed that the government had already paid ₦10 billion in August 2025 as part of the seven months' arrears from the 25–35 percent upward review of the Consolidated Medical and Health Salary Structures. An additional ₦21.3 billion was recently moved to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) account for further payments.
It added that the new ₦11.995 billion payment will cover other pending allowances, including accoutrement, in line with the President's directive for expedited disbursement. The government has also paid ₦10.6 billion for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to all resident doctors nationwide.
To address staff shortages caused by brain drain, the ministry disclosed that over 20,000 doctors, nurses, and allied professionals were recruited across 58 federal health institutions in 2024, with another 15,000 already approved for 2025.
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Negotiations with NARD, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other unions are ongoing, facilitated by Professor Dafe Otobo, an industrial relations expert engaged to fast-track consensus on key issues, including specialist allowances, salary relativity, and consultancy cadre appointments.
On the dismissal of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the ministry said three will be reabsorbed, while two cases will be reviewed by Prof. Otobo's committee within four weeks.
The statement further clarified that the recent reclassification of certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria was a regulatory adjustment, not a downgrade, and consultations are ongoing to address concerns.
Reaffirming the government's commitment, the ministry said all interventions reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's determination to protect the rights and welfare of health workers, ensure industrial harmony, and strengthen the nation's healthcare delivery system.
"Our health workforce is the bedrock of Nigeria's healthcare reform. Every policy and investment under the Health Sector Renewal Initiative is anchored on their well-being, motivation, and professional fulfillment," the statement concluded.
