By Danjuma Amodu
The Federal Government has explained that its ongoing standoff with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) stems from structural and policy limitations, not neglect and highlighted a ₦90 billion annual increase in health workers’ allowances approved in November 2025.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako made the remarks during an interview on AIT’s Kaakaki programme on Tuesday.
He reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to maintaining industrial peace and uninterrupted healthcare services but must weigh salary demands against competing national priorities such as education, security, and infrastructure.
Salako noted that past negotiations were fragmented, with different professional groups negotiating separately, leading to conflicting agreements and repeated strikes.
The Minister said to address this, the Ministry adopted a collective bargaining framework bringing together doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other health professionals at the negotiating table.
“The increment covers call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty and rural posting allowances,” Salako said.
“It was reached through collective negotiations involving all health professional groups.” He added.
On NARD’s demands, Salako said discussions have progressed and the association’s list has reduced from nineteen to nine items.
However, some outstanding issues remain constrained by existing civil service rules and approved schemes of service.
Regarding specialist allowances for resident doctors, Salako clarified.
“Resident doctors are specialists-in-training. Current regulations reserve specialist allowances for consultants.”
Speaking further, the Minister added that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission advised against extending the allowance to residents to avoid triggering similar claims from other health workers in training.
Salako also addressed certification concerns, stating that the National Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates after Part I examinations, a policy the Ministry cannot alter.
Concerning the five resident doctors disengaged in Lokoja, Salako said their cases followed civil service disciplinary procedures.
He stated that a ministerial review committee recommended reinstatement for two doctors, reprimand for two others, and a fresh disciplinary hearing for one, all in line with due process.
While acknowledging public frustration over frequent strikes, Salako noted that industrial actions by doctors are not unique to Nigeria, citing similar disputes in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe.
He assured Nigerians that the Ministry, working with the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders, remains committed to dialogue aimed at stabilising the health sector and preventing future recurrence.
