We will clear all arrears owed — AGF assures Doctors

By Precious Mark

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi has assured the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) that all outstanding financial entitlements, including failed 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) payments and salary arrears, will be processed and disbursed promptly.

The AGF gave the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja during a strategic visit by the leadership of NARD.

According to an update released by NARD National Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the doctors’ delegation paid the visit to appreciate the AGF for the successful record disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, while bringing outstanding financial issues to his attention.

Ogunjimi assured the association that all failed MRTF transactions are being compiled and will be re-processed once the payment reports are finalized.

On the omitted names regarding the 25% and 35% upward review arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), the AGF pledged that the affected members would receive their payments promptly.

Addressing promotion arrears for medical officers across approximately 60 Federal Tertiary Health Institutions spanning 2021 to 2025, alongside salary arrears owed to doctors in FMC Owo, OAUTHC, UUTH, and FUHSTH Otukpo, Ogunjimi confirmed that ministerial approval has been granted.

He noted that disbursement will commence as soon as cash backing is secured from the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Ogunjimi reaffirmed the treasury’s readiness to clear all legitimate claims owed to resident doctors, emphasizing that resolving their financial welfare will allow them to focus on delivering quality healthcare to patients.

The NARD national leadership added that a comprehensive update on the engagements will be presented to the National Executive Council (NEC) during its scheduled meeting next week in Gombe State.