The federal government has disclosed that it has paid N4.5 billion to 31 teaching hospitals and medical centres as hazard and inducement allowances following the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

The announcement was made by minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige, amid the nationwide strike embarked upon by resident doctors who are demanding payment of hazard allowance, group life insurance, payment of minimum wage and provision of adequate personal protective equipment for all health workers.

Ngige said the funds disbursed by the federal government covers hazard and inducement allowance arrears for the month of April and May.

He told newsmen;

“Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, the ministry of finance reported that as of this morning, 3am; they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and federal medical centres and specialist hospitals of the federal government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion in 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’s important to report to you that in consonance with what he’s 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 government will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done.”