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The federal government says it has approved and commenced the payment of over ₦33.3billion in arrears owed health workers across the country, in a bid to address the ongoing strike declared by resident doctors who constitute the bulk of the country’s health workforce. The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Saturday morning commenced a total and indefinite strike action, citing the “repeated failure” of the federal government to honor its promises and implement the agreements reached with members after several rounds of dialogue and appeals. Responding, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in a statement on Saturday said payments had commenced as part of wider efforts to restore stability and industrial peace in the sector especially with regards to the welfare, motivation, and stability of the nation’s health workforce. The ministry confirmed that the payment process began following a high-level meeting with NARD leadership, led by Iziaq Salako, minister of State for Health which aimed to address the pressing issues raised by health workers, including resident doctors, and to explore solutions to the ongoing industrial dispute. According to Alaba Balogun, the deputy director /head of information & public relations, who signed the ministry’s statement, ₦21.3 billion have been approved by President Bola Tinubu and moved into the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) account as of October 30, 2025, with payments already underway. The government said it is in the final stages of processing an additional ₦11.995 billion within the next 72 hours which will cover outstanding allowances such as accoutrement payments. The ministry also noted a ₦10 billion paid in August 2025 to cover seven months of arrears related to the 25% and 35% upward revision of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). “All these payments are being enjoyed by members of NARD in accordance with the salary structure in the health sector”, the statement read. On payment delays and promotions, the ministry arbued that they are largely due to processes within the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), but assured engagements are ongoing with relevant agencies to fast-track resolutions. On special pension benefits, also part of the demands, the ministry noted that this matter falls under the purview of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), but informed that a joint committee has been constituted to address the issue in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. For the disputed Certificate Categorization, the ministry clarified that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) reclassified, not downgraded, certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical College from Category B to C, describing it as a routine regulatory adjustment. It however said Consultations are ongoing with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to resolve any concerns. The Ministry further confirmed that collective bargaining discussions are ongoing the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), where NARD is an affiliate, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANM). To deepen dialogue and proffer solutions to controversial issues that arose in the course of the CBA, the ministry said has engaged a professional negotiator who is a Professor of Industrial Relations, Dafe Otobo, to facilitate further constructive engagements between government and union leaders with the active involvement of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. “The negotiator has since met with all the unions individually, a joint meeting of the unions with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with the negotiator has also taken place as of Thursday 24th October 2025,” the statement said. “All these is being done to facilitate decisions at the CBA and ensure a comprehensive, universally discussed and agreed solutions to the agitations of health workers which has been missing CBA and ensure a comprehensive, universally discussed and agreed solutions to the agitations of health workers which has been missing in recent past negotiations.” The ministry reiterated its resolve to safeguard the rights and welfare of health workers, ensure industrial harmony, and uphold uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians. “Our health workforce is the bedrock of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy, investment, and strategy we implement under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, NHSRII is anchored on their well-being, motivation, and professional fulfillment,” the statement added. Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date Open In Whatsapp
