The Federal Government has announced plans to release about N11.995 billion within the next 72 hours to pay outstanding allowances and arrears owed to doctors and other health workers across Nigeria.
This was revealed in a statement on Saturday by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to the statement, the payment is part of efforts to address the welfare complaints raised by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and other unions. It also shows the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and reform in the health sector.
The assurance was given during a meeting led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, between top ministry officials and the leadership of NARD. The meeting followed the recent strike by resident doctors over unpaid benefits and poor working conditions.
The strike, which began on Saturday, involves about 11,000 resident doctors working in 91 hospitals across the country.
NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, had earlier stated that the government owes doctors and other health workers about N38 billion in accumulated allowances.
The Ministry’s statement emphasized that the government remains focused on improving the welfare, motivation, and stability of healthcare workers, describing them as the foundation of all health-related programmes.
