By Reportcircle-Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the Committee on Collective Bargaining for the Health Sector, marking the official start of negotiations with major health sector unions on pay, working conditions, and welfare.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who led the inauguration in Abuja, said the move was aimed at establishing a fair and sustainable framework for Nigeria’s health workforce.
“The convocation of this committee is a milestone towards building a fair and sustainable framework for our health workforce,” Pate said.
“Health workers are central to our mission of delivering quality healthcare, and it is our duty to ensure that their needs are addressed with sincerity, transparency, and mutual respect.”
Negotiations will involve the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), focusing on remuneration, conditions of service, professional development, and welfare.
Dr. Salako described the talks as a critical step in the broader health sector reform agenda.
“By listening to the voices of our health professionals, we are not just negotiating terms, we are shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
The Federal Government urged all stakeholders to participate in the negotiations with good faith, compromise, and a shared commitment to improving healthcare for Nigerians.
In his address, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi said collective bargaining remained a proven pathway to industrial peace and stability.
“Through this process, we intend to find common ground that ensures the welfare of our health workers while protecting the public’s access to uninterrupted, quality healthcare,” he stated.
The inauguration was attended by Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako; senior officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and the Budget Office, among others.
