HEALTH workers in the frontline battling the coronavirus pandemic are to be paid their April and May 2020 hazard allowance before Democracy Day Holiday on June 12; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige was quoted to have said in a press release signed by Charles Akpan, Deputy Director/Head (Press and Public Relations) of the Ministry on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Minister, who made the pronouncement while speaking at a meeting between representatives of the federal government and health professional associations, said the decision was part of an agreement reached between government representatives led by him and representatives of Health sector workers.
Dr. Ngige said the urgent approval granted by President Mohammed Buhari was in appreciation of efforts of the health workers risking their lives on the frontline in the fight against covid-19.
“We reviewed all, and also reviewed all the emoluments that we are to give these gallant workers who are at the frontline taking the risk for all of us and the federal government side has given them the financial implication of what they have done”.
“We have fixed a timeline for ourselves that before the end of this week, the health workers captured in that particular COVID-19 net; frontline workers should get all their hazard and inducement allowances for the month of April and May before the close of the week,” the press release stated, adding that the decision on the commencement of the implementation of the allowances was reached along with the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Minister of Health.
Ngige further said that the Federal Government has approved insurance coverage for the health workers adding that the gesture was in consonance with the memorandum of understanding entered into on 21st April, 2020, between the federal government representatives, the health professionals and unions in the health sector.
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Health, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, said the Ministry would ensure the provision of PPE’s to various hospitals.
The health workers unions were led by the National President, Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Comrade Biobelemoye Josiah, who is also the President of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), President, National Union of Allied Health Professionals, Comrade O. C. Ogbonna and Secretary General, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Ekpe Philips.
On the government side beside Dr Ngige include the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN, Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, Ag. Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo, and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, A. M. Abdullahi.
