The Federal Government says it has paid up to N20 billion as COVID-19 allowance to health workers in the country.
This is according to the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, the Federal Government has been able to disburse close to N20 billion to health workers.
Dr Mamora explained that the Federal Government had to stop the payment of hazard allowance to the health workers because of renegotiation with them.
“We were able to pay April, May full, June, part of it has been paid but not fully paid and it’s because of the economic situation and these funds have to be sourced for one way or the other,” he added.
According to the Minister, the funds were paid to “Federal health institutions” across the country including Federal Medical Centres (FMCs), teaching hospitals among others.
On the N5,000 hazard allowance for doctors and health workers, the Minister stated that the payment has existed in the country for about 30 years but was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.