(SINL NIGERIA) The federal government on Friday signaled the official commencement of negotiations with major health sector unions, in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the Guidelines on Collective Bargaining Agreement Machinery.
This followed the inauguration and convocation of the Committee on Collective Bargaining for the Health Sector.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who led the inauguration, stated that the effort of government was geared at building a fair and sustainable framework for the health sector’s workforce.
“The convocation of this Committee is a milestone towards building a fair and sustainable framework for our health workforce. 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” the minister said.
The negotiations will involve structured engagements with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), among others, focusing on remuneration, working conditions, professional development, and welfare of health workers.
Also speaking, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour & Employment, emphasised:
“Collective bargaining is a proven pathway to industrial peace and sectoral 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.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, added:
“This is a critical step in our 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.”
Additionally, the Federal Government called on all parties to engage in the negotiations with good faith, a spirit of compromise, and a shared dedication to advancing the health and well-being of Nigerians.
The high-level inauguration ceremony, had in attendance, the Minister of Labour & Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako.
Other dignitaries included senior officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Budget Office of the Federation amongst others.
