The Federal Government has commenced a major payment of salary arrears to health workers across the country, reaffirming its commitment to their welfare and the stability of Nigeria’s health sector.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the payments covers the seven month’s arrears of the 25 percent and 35 percent upward review of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all categories of health workers.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja.
Salako explained that the Ministry, working with the Federal Ministry of Finance, began the payment process in August 2025 with ₦10 billion already disbursed. He added that following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for expedited payment, another ₦21.3 billion has been moved to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) account, and payment has started.
In addition, ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to cover other allowances, including accoutrement allowance. The Ministry confirmed that members of NARD are among those benefiting from these payments.
To address workforce shortages caused by brain drain, the Federal Government has also approved special waivers for massive recruitment across federal health institutions. Over 20,000 doctors, nurses, and other health professionals have been recruited in 2024 under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, and recruitment for 2025 is ongoing with over 15,000 new positions already approved.
Furthermore, the government released ₦10.6 billion as full payment for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for resident doctors nationwide.
Salako noted that discussions are ongoing with NARD, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to resolve other welfare and professional issues.
To ensure fair negotiations, the ministry has engaged a Professor of Industrial Relations, Prof. Dafe Otobo, as an independent mediator. The negotiator has met with all unions separately and collectively to find lasting solutions.
Other issues under review include specialist allowances, appointment of consultant cadre, dismissed doctors, certificate categorisation, payment and promotion delays
The ministry reiterated that these payments and interventions show the Federal Government’s strong commitment to rewarding the nation’s health workforce and sustaining industrial peace in the sector.
“Our health workers are the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Every reform under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) is anchored on their well-being and professional satisfaction,” Salako stated.
