Sunday, August 10, 2025 - The Federal Government has assured medical doctors and other healthcare workers that their outstanding seven months’ salary arrears will be paid before the end of August 2025, in a bid to avert a looming nationwide strike in the health sector.
The assurance was given 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.
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