Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Chris Ngige, on Friday, disclosed that Federal Government has released N4.5bn to 31 federal teaching hospitals and medical centres nationwide.

He said the sum covered hazard and inducement allowances of striking doctors for April and May.

Ngige disclosed this to State House correspondents shortly after he, Minister of Health, Mr Osagie Ehanire; and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, briefed President Muhammadu Buhari  on the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by National Association of Resident Doctors.

He said, “Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3 am, they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and Federal Medical Centres and specialist hospitals of Federal Government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion on 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.

“Again, it is important to report to you that in consonance with what he is saying, we have arranged a meeting for them to speak to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum because you don’t mix apples and oranges.

“The issue of health is on the concurrent list, so the Federal Government will do its own and the state governments will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done.”

Punch