The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced substantial financial interventions and workforce reforms to address the long-standing concerns of medical professionals, particularly those belonging to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, revealing that President Bola Tinubu had approved the expedited payment of arrears owed to health workers, including NARD members.
He noted that as of Thursday, 30 October, an additional ₦21.3 billion had been transferred to the IPPIS account, and payments to beneficiaries had commenced.
Furthermore, a sum of ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to settle other outstanding arrears, including the accoutrement allowance.
Dr. Salako explained that these payments are being made in accordance with the approved salary structure for the health sector.
To address the challenges posed by brain drain and prolonged working hours, the Federal Government has also granted special waivers to facilitate the extensive recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions.
He highlighted that this recruitment initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s health facilities are adequately staffed, safe, and equipped to provide quality healthcare services to citizens.
Regarding ongoing negotiations and industrial dialogue, Dr. Salako confirmed that collective bargaining discussions are continuing with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)—of which NARD is an affiliate—the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
Dr. Salako emphasised that these interventions demonstrate the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of health workers, ensuring industrial harmony, and maintaining the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
This announcement follows NARD’s declaration on 26 October of plans to commence an indefinite nationwide strike starting on 1 November 2025.
In a statement, NARD President Mohammad Suleiman indicated that the strike directive was issued after a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government regarding unresolved demands expired.
This latest action follows a five-hour meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday.
“The NEC has outlined minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and ‘no work, no pay/no pay, no work’ resolutions necessary for the successful execution of this action,” the statement partially reads.
