The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to industrial peace, welfare, and sustained reform in Nigeria’s health sector, stressing that the wellbeing and motivation of the health workforce remain central to all health policies and actions.
This assurance came during a high-level meeting between the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), following the association’s recent welfare concerns.
According to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Alaba Balogun, the government has commenced payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25%/35% CONMESS and CONHESS salary review, with ₦10 billion paid in August and another ₦21.3 billion transferred to the IPPIS for disbursement as of October 30, 2025.
An additional ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to settle other arrears, including the accoutrement allowance. Furthermore, the Federal Government has disbursed ₦10.6 billion as full payment for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), benefiting resident doctors nationwide.
To address workforce shortages, the government granted special waivers for massive recruitment across Federal Tertiary Institutions—over 20,000 health workers were employed in 2024, while recruitment for 2025 is ongoing with 15,000 positions already approved.
The Ministry noted that collective bargaining continues with the NMA, JOHESU, and NANM, facilitated by a professional negotiator in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to resolve outstanding issues.
On the reclassification of certificates, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) clarified that credentials from the West African Postgraduate Medical College were reclassified—not downgraded—from Category B to C as a routine regulatory adjustment, with consultations ongoing with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
Regarding payment delays and promotions, the Ministry attributed them to processes within IPPIS, noting that a joint committee—involving the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF)—is working to fast-track resolutions.
The Ministry reaffirmed that these measures demonstrate the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to protect health workers’ rights, sustain industrial harmony, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
