FG Cites ₦90bn Allowance Increase Amid NARD Dispute

The Federal Government has said the ongoing disagreement with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is due to policy and structural issues, not neglect of health workers.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated that the government approved a review of health workers’ allowances in November 2025, increasing annual spending by about ₦90 billion.

According to him, the increase covers call duty, shift duty, non clinical duty and rural posting allowances and was agreed through joint negotiations involving all health worker groups.

Dr. Salako said NARD’s demands have reduced from 19 to nine, adding that some unresolved issues are limited by existing civil service rules. He explained that specialist allowances are reserved for consultants, noting that resident doctors are specialists-in-training.

He also said the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja followed due process, with a review committee recommending reinstatement for two doctors.

The Minister assured that the Federal Government remains open to dialogue with health workers and relevant stakeholders to maintain industrial harmony and prevent disruptions to healthcare services.