FG Bows To Pressure, Orders Immediate Payment Of Doctors’ Arrears Amid Nationwide Strike

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) has announced that the Federal Government will release ₦11.9 billion within 72 hours to offset part of the outstanding salary and allowance arrears owed to medical professionals.

The development comes shortly after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) launched an indefinite strike over the government’s failure to fulfil previous commitments.

In a statement issued on Saturday, November 1, the ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the expedited payment to health workers.

Balogun noted that in August 2025, the government disbursed ₦10 billion to begin clearing seven months of arrears resulting from the 25–35% salary review under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

As of October 30, 2025, an additional ₦21.3 billion had been transferred to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for payment, while a further ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to cover other outstanding allowances, including the accoutrement allowance.

Balogun added that resident doctors had also received full payment of the ₦10.6 billion 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), disbursed nationwide in September 2025.

Beyond financial settlements, the ministry revealed that the government has granted special waivers to fast-track the recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions. So far, over 20,000 workers have been employed across 58 federal health institutions, with an additional 15,000 hires approved for 2025.

“This recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigeria’s health facilities are well-staffed, safe, and equipped to deliver quality care,” the statement read.

Balogun further disclosed that collective bargaining discussions remain ongoing with major health unions, including NARD, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

“To strengthen dialogue and resolve lingering issues under the collective bargaining agreement, the Ministry engaged a professional negotiator, Prof. Dafe Otobo, to facilitate constructive engagement between the government and union leaders,” Balogun said.

A joint meeting of the unions, ministry officials, and the negotiator was held on October 24, 2025, with discussions centred on specialist and other allowances, salary relativity, consultant cadre appointments, and broader welfare matters. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has also indicated its readiness to conclude the negotiation process once consensus is reached.