In a heartening demonstration of commitment to healthcare workers, the Nigerian Federal Government has announced a substantial N90 billion annual increase in professional allowances for medical personnel across the country. This significant investment underscores the administration's dedication to supporting those who serve on the frontlines of the nation's healthcare system.

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, shared the encouraging news during a recent interview, highlighting the government's unwavering focus on maintaining industrial peace and ensuring Nigerians continue to receive uninterrupted healthcare services.

The November 2025 approval represents a comprehensive upgrade to multiple allowance categories, including call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty, and rural posting allowances. What makes this development particularly noteworthy is the collaborative approach taken to achieve it. Rather than fragmenting negotiations across different professional groups—a practice that previously led to disputes and misunderstandings—the government brought all categories of health workers together for joint discussions.

This inclusive collective bargaining framework marks a positive shift in how the government engages with healthcare professionals. By creating a unified platform for dialogue, officials are working to end the cycle of recurrent industrial actions that have historically affected healthcare delivery.

The government's commitment to dialogue extends to ongoing conversations with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). Through persistent engagement and mutual understanding, the discussion points have been streamlined from 19 initial demands to nine, reflecting meaningful progress and the willingness of both parties to find common ground.

Dr. Salako emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare places the highest priority on the welfare of healthcare workers while thoughtfully balancing competing national needs such as education, security, and infrastructure development. This holistic approach ensures that investments in healthcare remain sustainable and beneficial for the long term.

Regarding specific concerns about specialist allowances for resident doctors, the minister provided clarity on existing civil service regulations, noting that current frameworks designate such allowances for consultants while residents complete their specialist training. This transparency in communication helps build trust and understanding between all parties.

The government is also addressing individual cases with care and due process. For instance, situations involving disengaged resident doctors in Lokoja are being reviewed thoroughly, with reinstatement already recommended for some individuals, demonstrating the administration's commitment to fairness and justice.

Dr. Salako offered reassurance to Nigerian citizens, emphasizing that the government remains firmly committed to continuous dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. He acknowledged that challenges in the healthcare sector exist globally, not just in Nigeria, and pledged that his ministry would continue working tirelessly to stabilize the sector and prevent future disruptions.

This substantial financial commitment, combined with the establishment of more effective communication channels and negotiation frameworks, paints an optimistic picture for Nigeria's healthcare sector. By investing in healthcare workers and fostering genuine partnership through dialogue, the government is laying the groundwork for a more stable, motivated, and effective medical workforce that can better serve all Nigerians.

The path forward is built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery—values that benefit both medical professionals and the communities they serve.