Strike: FG, NARD meet as Government releases ₦11.9b to clear Doctors arrears

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and implementing lasting reforms in Nigeria’s health sector, emphasizing that the welfare and stability of health workers remain the foundation of all health policies and strategies.

This assurance came during a high-level meeting between the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, top officials of the ministry, and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), following the union’s recent concerns over welfare and professional issues.

In line with efforts to resolve pending matters, the Federal Government has begun the payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25% and 35% upward review of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures to all categories of health workers.

A total of ₦10 billion was paid in August 2025, while another ₦21.3 billion was credited to the IPPIS account and disbursed as of October 30, 2025.

An additional ₦11.995 billion is expected to be released within 72 hours to cover other outstanding allowances, including accoutrement payments.

To tackle manpower shortages caused by brain drain, the government has also granted special waivers for massive recruitment across Federal Tertiary Institutions.

Over 20,000 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied professionals, were employed in 2024 under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, while more than 15,000 new appointments have been approved for 2025.

Furthermore, ₦10.6 billion has been disbursed as full payment for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to support resident doctors nationwide.

The Ministry also confirmed ongoing negotiations with key unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), to address lingering welfare concerns.

To strengthen dialogue, the ministry has engaged industrial relations expert Prof. Dafe Otobo to facilitate discussions between government and union representatives, with the active participation of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

On specific issues, the ministry clarified that three of the five dismissed doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, who did not face a formal disciplinary committee, have been offered reabsorption into the service, while the cases of the remaining two are under review by Prof. Otobo for appropriate administrative action.

Addressing certificate categorization, the ministry explained that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) merely reclassified certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical College from Category B to C, describing it as a normal regulatory adjustment. Consultations with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) are ongoing to resolve any arising concerns.

The ministry added that delays in salary payments and promotions are largely due to IPPIS processes, with steps being taken to speed up resolutions.

Issues surrounding special pension benefits are being handled by a joint committee under the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Dr. Salako reaffirmed that these actions reflect the government’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of health professionals and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerians.

“Our health workforce is the bedrock of Nigeria’s healthcare reform.

Every policy and investment under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is anchored on their well-being, motivation, and professional fulfillment,” the ministry stated.

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