The Federal Government has commenced the release of ₦11.995 billion within the next 72 hours to clear outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowances owed to health workers, as part of efforts to prevent industrial action in the sector.
It also confirmed the full disbursement of ₦10.6 billion for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), benefiting resident doctors nationwide.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, said the payments underscore President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare and maintaining stability across the system.
Speaking during a meeting between the ministry’s management and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Salako assured that the government remains focused on addressing pending welfare issues and professional demands through dialogue and timely interventions.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Operations, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, the Minister confirmed the ongoing payment of seven months’ arrears arising from the 25 and 35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers.
He disclosed that ₦10 billion had been paid in August 2025, while another ₦21.3 billion has been credited to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) account for further disbursement.
To tackle manpower shortages worsened by migration of health professionals, he said the government has granted special waivers to enable mass recruitment across federal tertiary hospitals.
According to him, more than 20,000 doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals were recruited in 2024, with approval already granted for an additional 15,000 in 2025.
As part of ongoing engagement to strengthen industrial relations, he revealed that the Ministry has appointed industrial relations scholar, Prof. Dafe Otobo, to serve as a mediator between the government and unions.
He said Otobo has since held meetings with various associations, both individually and collectively alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to expedite agreements on allowances, salary relativity, and other unresolved matters.
On the dismissal of five doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Salako clarified that three of the affected doctors who did not appear before a disciplinary panel have been offered reabsorption into service, while the remaining two cases have been referred to Prof. Otobo for further review.
He also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding certificate categorization, explaining that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) merely reclassified, rather than downgraded, certificates awarded by the West African Postgraduate Medical College.
He said consultations are underway with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to harmonize positions and resolve any misunderstandings.
According to the Minister, delays in promotions and payment processing are largely due to technical issues within the IPPIS platform, but the government is working with relevant agencies to address them promptly.
“Our health workforce is the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy and investment under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative is anchored on their well-being and motivation,” Salako was quoted as saying.
He reaffirmed that through payment of arrears, ongoing recruitment, and sustained engagement with unions, the Tinubu administration remains committed to protecting the welfare of health professionals and ensuring uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services across the country.
