The Nigerian government has approved the expedited release of ₦11.995 billion to settle arrears owed to health workers, including accoutrement allowances, within 72 hours.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, confirmed this development, stating that the move forms part of broader financial interventions and workforce reforms aimed at addressing the long-standing grievances of medical professionals, particularly members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
As of October 30, an additional ₦21.3 billion had been transferred to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) account, with payment to beneficiaries having commenced.
The government has also granted special waivers for the massive recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions to tackle the strain caused by brain drain and long working hours.
Dr. Salako emphasized that these measures demonstrate the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of health workers, ensuring industrial harmony, and upholding the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
Discussions are ongoing with health unions, including NARD, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
