President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of N4.5 billion for clearance of backlog of arrears of hazard and inducement allowances in 31 federal teaching and specialist hospitals across the country.
Recall that the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, had embarked on a warning strike, following the inability of the government to pay them their earned allowances.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, made the disclosure of Friday while speaking with the State House Correspondents shortly after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
According to him, the payment is for arrears of April and May.
Mr Ngige, who was in the company of the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), also said moves were ongoing to organise a meeting for discussions with Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, for state-owned hospitals.
The minister said: “Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, the Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3am, they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and Federal Medical Centres and special hospitals of the federal government service.
“And they have expended close to N4.5 billion in the payment because we are paying them the arrears of April and May. The payment for June will also be done immediately these ones are sorted out.”
