Budget Omission Caused House Officers’ Allowance Arrears – Defence Ministry
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Ministry of Defence says the outstanding allowances owed House Officers and Interns at Armed Forces Reference Hospitals stem from the absence of budgetary provision in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, on Monday, disclosed that payments of the arrears have however commenced.
TheFact Daily reports that the Ministry’s clarification follows complaints by some House Officers and Interns who alleged they had gone several months without receiving their allowances, prompting concerns over their welfare and calls for government intervention.
Last month, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, warning that it may embark on nationwide industrial action if its outstanding demands were not implemented.
The association accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to fulfil commitments relating to doctors’ welfare, including the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances and other entitlements.
According to Pheelangwah, payment of outstanding allowances has already commenced in phases, with disbursements made as follows:
26 March 2026: Batches A and B – January and February 2026 allowances.
30 April 2026: Batches A and B – March 2026 allowances.
8 July 2026: Batches A and B – April 2026 allowances; Batch C – December 2025 and January 2026 allowances.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to settle the remaining arrears as additional funds become available, stressing that the situation was not due to any administrative lapse, and described the development as unprecedented and the first of its kind since the programme was established over four decades ago.
According to the Ministry, it formally notified the Budget Office of the Federation of the funding gap through official correspondence dated 18 February 2026 and 1 July 2026, requesting urgent intervention.
The Ministry disclosed that 703 House Officers and Interns were engaged under the 2025/2026 House Officers and Interns Programme. It noted that Batches A and B have received allowances up to April 2026, while Batch C, comprising 90 House Officers and Interns, has been paid for December 2025 and January 2026.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the funding challenge and expressed appreciation to the affected House Officers, Interns, and their families for their patience, understanding, and continued dedication.
It also urged the public to disregard misleading reports and rely only on official communications issued by the Ministry of Defence.
