FG Moves To End Doctors’ Agitations, Releases Over ₦43bn For Welfare, Reforms
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring harmony in Nigeria’s health sector with the release of over ₦43 billion for arrears, allowances, and medical training funds as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers.
This move comes amid renewed concerns by resident doctors over delayed entitlements and poor working conditions.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance after a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja.
According to the Minister, ₦21.3 billion has already been credited into the IPPIS account for payment of arrears, while another ₦11.9 billion will be released within 72 hours to cover other outstanding allowances, including accoutrements.
In August, ₦10 billion had been disbursed as part of the 25%/35% upward salary review for health workers, and ₦10.6 billion was released in September for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
In response to brain drain and increased workload, the government has also approved the mass recruitment of over 15,000 new health workers across Federal Tertiary Institutions, a continuation of the 20,000 employed in 2024 under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda.
The Minister further confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with NARD, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other unions under the supervision of renowned industrial relations expert Prof. Dafe Otobo, to resolve lingering disputes and finalise collective bargaining agreements.
Clarifying other concerns, the Minister said there was no downgrading of postgraduate medical certificates as alleged, explaining that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) merely reclassified them for regulatory purposes.
Dr. Salako emphasised that the administration remains steadfast in prioritising the welfare and motivation of Nigeria’s health workforce, describing them as “the bedrock of the nation’s healthcare reform and delivery system.”
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