…Over 23,000 health workers to employed
To address the issues of staff shortages and welfare measures, responding to complaints about manpower shortages and work overload, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako has constituted a taskforce to monitor hospitals.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, also revealed that the ministry had recruited 14,444 health workers in 2024 and had already approved the employment of 23,059 more in 2025, across 78 federal tertiary health institutions.
He announced the establishment of a ministerial taskforce to monitor hospital operations during the strike and ensure continuity of essential services.
“Consultants have been directed to maintain emergency and outpatient services,” Salako said.
“We appeal to the public to be patient as we work towards resolving this crisis.”
Speaking on the financial commitments and allowance, the Minister disclosed that the government had released ₦21.3 billion to settle outstanding arrears and allowances, with about 60% of resident doctors already receiving payment alerts. An additional ₦11.9 billion has been processed for payment this week.
He further noted that ₦10 billion was earlier disbursed exclusively for the Medical Residency Training Fund, which supports doctors’ professional examinations.
Appealing for calm and cooperation, Dr. Salako appealed to striking resident doctors to return to work in good faith, emphasizing that the government recognizes their invaluable service and is committed to their welfare.
“If it were possible, we would pay our doctors ₦50 million monthly, because no one can truly compensate for a health worker’s service,” he noted. “But we must operate within the economic realities of the country.”
He reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would continue to engage all parties constructively to reach a lasting and fair resolution.
“The health sector is a team,” the minister concluded. “What affects one group affects all. Our goal is a unified, functional system.
Abuja Times reports that NARD commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Saturday, over what it described as years of unmet demands and broken promises by the federal government.
The association said doctors are owed arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS review, unpaid accoutrement and hazard allowances, and long-delayed promotions.