By Laraba MUREY
The Federal Government has commenced the payment of ₦21.3 billion in salary arrears and approved the recruitment of 15,000 new health workers to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and address welfare concerns raised by doctors.
In a statement, the Deputy Director and Head of Information at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun, said the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the disclosure during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, in Abuja.
Balogun noted that the move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial harmony and the welfare of health professionals across the country.
“The welfare, motivation, and stability of our health workers remain the bedrock of all our reforms in the sector,” Salako said.
According to the minister, payment of the arrears — including the 25% and 35% upward review of CONMESS and CONHESS — has begun through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). He added that another ₦11.9 billion would be released within 72 hours to clear other outstanding allowances.
“The government has paid ₦10.6 billion as the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to resident doctors nationwide. We are also fast-tracking the recruitment of more health professionals to ease the workload caused by brain drain,” Salako added.
The ministry stated that over 20,000 health workers were employed across 58 federal institutions in 2024, while the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise would bring in an additional 15,000 personnel.
To address pending industrial issues, the ministry has engaged Prof. Dafe Otobo, a professor of industrial relations, to mediate negotiations between the government and health unions.
“Discussions are ongoing on issues such as specialist allowances, salary relativity, and appointment of consultant cadres. The Ministry of Labour has assured full cooperation to conclude the collective bargaining process,” the statement read.
On the dismissal of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the ministry said three affected staff who did not face a disciplinary committee would be reabsorbed, while the remaining two cases are being reviewed by Prof. Otobo.
Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining peace in the health sector, saying:
“Our health workforce is the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy under the Health Sector Renewal Initiative is anchored on their well-being, motivation, and professional fulfillment.”
