Amid rising tensions over welfare and arrears in the health sector, the Federal Government has approved the release of ₦11.99 billion within 72 hours to settle outstanding payments, including accoutrement allowances owed to health workers.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako, also confirmed the full payment of ₦10.6 billion for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to resident doctors nationwide, underscoring President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to sustaining industrial harmony and improving welfare across the sector.
According to Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information at the Ministry, payments have begun for seven months of arrears from the 25% and 35% salary review for doctors and other health workers.
He added that ₦10 billion was disbursed in August, with an additional ₦21.3 billion transferred to the IPPIS platform for further distribution.
Salako said the government has also granted special waivers to facilitate recruitment across federal hospitals, with over 20,000 health professionals employed in 2024 and 15,000 more approved for 2025.
To ease labour tensions, industrial relations expert, Dafe Otobo has been engaged to mediate between government and unions on allowances, promotions, and other contentious issues.
The Minister clarified that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) reclassified, rather than downgraded, certificates from the West African Postgraduate Medical College, and discussions continue with relevant authorities to resolve remaining concerns.
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