The federal government says it has approved and begun payment of over €33.3 billion owed to health workers across the country, to address a strike declared by resident doctors who form the bulk of the country's health workforce.
The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Saturday morning commenced full and indefinite strike action, citing “repeated failure” of the Federal Government to honor its promises and implement agreements reached with members after several rounds of negotiations and appeals.
Responding, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said in a statement on Saturday that the payments have started as part of broader efforts to restore stability and industrial peace in the sector, especially with regard to the welfare, motivation and sustainability of the country's health workforce.
The ministry confirmed that the payment process began following a high-level meeting with the NARD leadership led by Minister of State for Health Iziak Salako, aimed at addressing the critical issues raised by health workers, including resident doctors, and finding a solution to the ongoing industrial dispute.
According to the Deputy Director/Head of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, who signed the statement of the ministry, ₦21.3 billion has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and transferred to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) account by October 30, 2025, with payment already ongoing.
The government said it is in the final stages of processing an additional ₦11.995 billion within the next 72 hours, which will cover outstanding allowances such as support payments.
The ministry also mentioned the ₦10 billion to be paid in August 2025 to cover the seven-month arrears related to the 25% and 35% upward revision of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
“All these payments are being enjoyed by NARD members as per the salary structure in the health sector,” the statement said.
On delays in payments and promotions, the ministry argued that they are largely due to processes within the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), but assurances are ongoing with concerned agencies for fast-track solutions.
On special pensionary benefits, which form part of the demands, the ministry said the matter falls under the purview of the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), but informed that a joint committee has been constituted to address the issue in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
As for the disputed certificate classification, the ministry clarified that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has reclassified the certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical College from Category B to C, not downgrade, describing it as a routine regulatory adjustment. However it added that consultation is ongoing with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to address any concerns.
The ministry further confirmed that collective bargaining discussions are ongoing in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), where NARD is an affiliate, the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANM).
To deepen the dialogue and offer solutions to the contentious issues that have arisen during the CBA, the Ministry has appointed a professional negotiator, Professor of Industrial Relations, Dafe Otobo, to facilitate further constructive engagement between the government and union leaders with the active participation of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment.
“The negotiator has since met all unions individually, with the negotiator also holding a joint meeting of the unions with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Thursday 24 October 2025,” the statement said.
“All this is being done to facilitate decisions in the CBA and to ensure a comprehensive, universally discussed and agreed solution to the health workers’ movement that the CBA is missing and to ensure a comprehensive, universally discussed and agreed solution to the health workers’ movement that has been missing in the recent negotiations.”
The Ministry reiterated its resolve to protect the rights and welfare of health workers, ensure industrial harmony and maintain uninterrupted delivery of quality health services to Nigerians.
“Our health workforce is the foundation of Nigeria's healthcare reform. Every policy, investment and strategy we implement under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, NHSRII, is underpinned by their well-being, motivation and professional fulfilment,” the statement said.
