The Federal Government has promised workers that the outstanding seven months’ salary arrears owed the medical doctors and other healthcare workers will be paid before the end of August 2025.
The government said the assurance was made to avoid a looming nationwide strike in the health sector.
This was stated by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, during a joint meeting held in Abuja with leaders of major health unions.
This development follows a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), demanding that the government address lingering welfare concerns or risk a nationwide strike. Similarly, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) recently suspended a warning strike after stakeholder intervention.
To prevent further disruption in the sector, the Ministry of Health convened a high-level roundtable meeting involving the NMA, NANNM, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), alongside officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to clearing the salary backlog and emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to address the systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In separate remarks, NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and JOHESU National President, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir, expressed cautious optimism that the government would fulfill its promises. They noted that the full implementation of the agreements reached could avert the impending strike.
Stakeholders have urged the government to honour its commitments to ensure sustained industrial harmony and prevent disruptions in healthcare services nationwide.