NIGERIA: FG Approves ₦43bn for Doctors’ Arrears, Launches Massive Recruitment to Curb Brain Drain

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening industrial harmony in the health sector, with the approval of over ₦43 billion for the payment of arrears and the launch of a nationwide recruitment drive to address workforce shortages.

The assurance was given during a high-level meeting between the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziq Adekunle Salako, and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) following the group’s recent agitations over welfare and professional concerns.

According to a statement from the State House, the government has commenced the payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25 and 35 percent upward salary review for health workers under CONMESS and CONHESS, with ₦10 billion already disbursed in August 2025.

In furtherance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for expedited payments, another ₦21.3 billion has been moved to the IPPIS account for immediate disbursement, while an additional ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to settle outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowances.

The statement confirmed: “These payments are being enjoyed by members of NARD in accordance with the salary structure in the health sector.”

To combat the strain caused by brain drain and excessive workloads, the Federal Government has also granted special waivers for the massive recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions.

Under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, more than 20,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied professionals, were employed in 2024 across 58 Federal Health Institutions. Recruitment for 2025 is already underway, with over 15,000 positions approved for new hires.

In addition, the government released ₦10.6 billion in September 2025 as full payment for the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), paid exclusively to resident doctors nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health confirmed that collective bargaining discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to achieve lasting solutions to welfare disputes.

To ensure smooth negotiations, the government appointed Prof. Dafe Otobo, a Professor of Industrial Relations, to mediate between the ministry and health unions.

The statement disclosed that “discussions are progressing on all the points raised by the health unions, including specialist and other allowances, salary relativity, and appointment of consultant cadre in hospitals.”

On the dismissal of five doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the ministry clarified that three of them, who were not properly tried by a disciplinary committee, have been offered reabsorption into federal service, while the remaining two cases have been referred to Prof. Otobo for administrative review within four weeks.

It further addressed concerns about certificate categorization, clarifying that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) only reclassified , not downgraded, certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical College from Category B to C, calling it “a routine regulatory adjustment.”

With payments, reforms, and negotiations underway, the Federal Government says it is committed to ensuring that “the welfare, motivation, and stability of Nigeria’s health workforce remain the foundation upon which all health policies and actions are built.”