FG Starts Paying Salary Arrears to Resident Doctors

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the payment of outstanding salary arrears to members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). This development follows a review of the consolidated medical salary structure.

Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the public social secretary of NARD, confirmed that the payment process has begun, covering arrears for six months. Doctors have already started receiving payments, and Ibrahim reassured members who have not yet received theirs that the process is ongoing and urged patience.

The payment of arrears was delayed due to minor administrative challenges experienced in August, which resulted in a two-week delay. The adjustments to the salary scale for medical and dental officers in Nigeria's public sector have been a source of dispute, leading to previous strikes by resident doctors.

The payment of these arrears is seen as a step towards addressing long-standing welfare concerns and preventing potential industrial action within the health sector.