The federal government says it has increased the amount paid as hazard allowance to health workers.

Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige said this while briefing journalists at the end of a meeting between the Presidential Committee on Salaries, relevant federal government stakeholders, health professional associations, and trade unions on Wednesday in Abuja.

The meeting was called at the minister’s instance to discuss the issue of hazard allowance and retirement age for health sector workers in the government health establishments.

Mr Ngige said, ”The federal government has moved up from the N5,000 monthly hazard allowance paid to all health workers in Nigeria and now offering 350 per cent and 600 per cent increments for junior workers and senior workers, respectively.

”The government side led by the Minister of State for Budget and Planning gave a counter-offer to the earlier submissions made by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and affiliate associations and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

“The government side gave them that offer based on the realities that we have on the ground, that the economy is not doing very well and the capital component of the budget is actually being funded on borrowing. The earnings of the government have also drastically gone down.”

He added, “But we moved from the N5000 hazard allowance per month, long forgotten until COVID-19 struck. During COVID-19, the government spent about N31 billion for three months.

”So, I think the government side has offered things that are very reasonable, increasing the former positions of junior and senior health workers. Junior workers had 350 per cent rise, and senior workers had about 600 per cent.”

Mr Ngige also noted that the federal government agreed in principle to increase the retirement age of doctors and other health workers from 60 to 65 years and 70 years for consultants.

(NAN)