The Federal Government has released N11.9 billion to address outstanding welfare packages for medical personnel and has begun the process of large-scale recruitment across the health sector.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying President Bola Tinubu approved the payments as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the grievances of healthcare professionals, particularly members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
According to Salako, an additional N21.3 billion has already been credited to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) account, with disbursements to beneficiaries underway.
He added that another N11.995 billion will be released within 72 hours to clear remaining arrears, including the accoutrement allowance, in line with the approved salary structure for the health sector.
“These payments are a demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of our health workforce and promoting industrial harmony,” Salako said.
To tackle the effects of brain drain and staff shortages, the minister announced that the Federal Government had granted special recruitment waivers to enable mass hiring of doctors, nurses, and other professionals across federal health institutions.
He explained that the recruitment initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure that public hospitals are adequately staffed, safe, and capable of delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians.
Salako also confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to sustain dialogue and prevent further industrial action.
These developments come amid renewed tension in the sector, following NARD’s announcement on October 26 of an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to begin November 1, 2025.
In a statement, NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman said the action followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the government over unresolved demands.
“The NEC has marshalled out minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and ‘no work, no pay / no pay, no work’ resolutions needed for a successful execution of this action,” the association stated.
