The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the payment of long-awaited salary arrears owed to resident doctors across the country, bringing relief to thousands of medical workers who have faced months of delayed earnings.
The development was confirmed by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which said the payments relate to outstanding arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, commonly known as CONMESS.
In a statement issued by its Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the association disclosed that payments have already started reaching members, with many doctors confirming receipt of their money.
“The leadership of NARD is pleased to inform all members that payment of the outstanding 25/35 CONMESS review arrears has commenced,” the statement said.
According to the association, the arrears being paid cover a period ranging from one to six months for different doctors, depending on their individual cases and the level of delay previously experienced.
For many resident doctors, the payments mark the end of a long period of uncertainty and financial strain. Over the past few years, delays in salary adjustments and unpaid arrears have been a major concern for doctors working in Nigeria’s public health system.
While confirming the ongoing disbursement, Ibrahim also appealed to members who are yet to receive their payments to remain calm, assuring them that the process is still ongoing and will be completed soon.
He explained that some aspects of the payment, particularly the August component, are facing minor administrative challenges that could lead to short delays.
“Payments for August are currently facing a few challenges that are being addressed. The August arrears may be delayed by about a week or two,” he said.
Despite this, the association expressed confidence that all outstanding payments would be settled in due course.
The CONMESS structure is a salary framework used to determine the earnings of medical and dental officers in Nigeria’s public sector. It is periodically reviewed to reflect economic realities and improve the welfare of healthcare workers.
However, the implementation of these reviews has often been slow, leading to accumulated arrears and disagreements between doctors and the government.
In the past, such delays have triggered strikes and industrial actions by NARD, leading to disruptions in healthcare services across federal and state-owned hospitals. These strikes have sometimes lasted for weeks, affecting patients who depend on public hospitals for care.
Resident doctors play a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. They are doctors undergoing specialist training while also providing essential medical services in teaching hospitals and other tertiary health institutions.
Due to their large numbers and active involvement in patient care, they are often described as the backbone of the country’s hospital system.
However, their working conditions have remained a major source of concern. Many have complained about irregular salaries, heavy workloads, poor infrastructure, and exposure to health risks without adequate support.
These challenges have contributed to a growing trend of migration among Nigerian doctors, often referred to as “brain drain.” In recent years, thousands of Nigerian doctors have left the country in search of better pay and working conditions abroad.
Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Saudi Arabia have become popular destinations, offering higher salaries, improved facilities, and better career opportunities.
The doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria remains far below the standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), raising concerns about access to healthcare, especially in rural areas.
Against this background, the payment of arrears is seen as a positive step toward addressing some of the welfare issues affecting doctors.
They note that resolving financial disputes can help reduce the likelihood of strikes, which often leave hospitals understaffed and patients stranded.
The government has in recent years held several meetings with medical unions in an effort to resolve disputes and improve working conditions. While some progress has been made, challenges remain.
For NARD, the current payment is an important sign that engagement with the government is yielding results. However, the association has made it clear that more needs to be done to ensure that such delays do not happen again.
Ibrahim advised members who may still have issues with their payments after the disbursement process is completed to report through their local leadership for quick resolution.
He also thanked members for their patience and continued support during the period of delay.
“We sincerely appreciate your patience, resilience, and continued trust. Be assured that we remain steadfast and committed to the welfare and well-being of all NARD members,” he said.
For many doctors, the payments offer temporary relief, but they also highlight the need for long-term solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector.
As the government continues efforts to stabilise the sector, stakeholders agree that sustained commitment will be required to rebuild trust and ensure that Nigeria’s healthcare system can meet the needs of its growing population.
For now, the ongoing payment of arrears has brought a measure of relief to resident doctors, many of whom have waited months for their entitlements. Whether this will translate into lasting improvements in the sector remains to be seen.