FG Orders ₦11.9 Billion Payment to Settle Health Worker Arrears Amid Strike

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the release of ₦11.9 billion within 72 hours to address salary arrears and allowances owed to health workers, including medical professionals. This move comes after the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced a strike citing the government's failure to meet their demands.

The payment aims to settle outstanding salary issues, including arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CMSS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CHSS). The government also granted waivers to expedite the recruitment of 20,000 healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions.

Negotiations with health unions, including NARD, are ongoing.