Resident doctors: FG begins payment of arrears

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of over ₦33.3 billion in arrears owed to health workers across Nigeria, amid the indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

NARD, which represents the bulk of the nation’s health workforce, on Saturday began a total and indefinite strike, citing the Federal Government’s “repeated failure” to implement several agreements reached after multiple negotiations and appeals.

In a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Information and Public Relations, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the payments had begun as part of efforts to restore stability and industrial harmony within the health sector.

According to the ministry, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦21.3 billion, which has already been credited into the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) as of October 30, 2025, while an additional ₦11.995 billion is being processed for payment within 72 hours to cover outstanding allowances, including accoutrement payments.

The government also recalled that ₦10 billion was paid in August 2025 to clear seven months of arrears from the 25% and 35% upward reviews 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 approved salary structures in the health sector,” the statement read.

The ministry explained that delays in payment and promotion processes are largely due to administrative bottlenecks within the IPPIS, assuring that engagements are ongoing with relevant agencies to fast-track resolutions.

On pension and special benefits, the ministry stated that the matter falls under the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), but noted that a joint committee has been set up to address it in collaboration with stakeholders.

Addressing concerns over certificate categorization, the ministry clarified that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) merely reclassified — not downgraded — certificates from the West African Postgraduate Medical College, describing the move as a routine regulatory adjustment. Consultations are ongoing with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to resolve related issues.

The ministry also confirmed ongoing collective bargaining discussions with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANM).

To strengthen dialogue, the ministry said it had engaged a professional negotiator, Professor Dafe Otobo, an expert in industrial relations, to facilitate constructive engagement between the government and union leaders.

“The negotiator has met with all the unions individually, and a joint meeting with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was held on October 24, 2025,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting workers’ welfare, the ministry said the government remains focused on ensuring industrial peace and the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services.

“Our health workforce is the bedrock of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy, investment, and strategy under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) is anchored on their well-being, motivation, and professional fulfillment,” the ministry stated.