FG Inaugurates Committee to Negotiate with Health Sector Unions

The Federal Government has officially opened negotiations with major unions in the health sector following the inauguration of the Committee on Collective Bargaining for the Health Sector in Abuja.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, who presided over the ceremony, described the move as a significant milestone in building a balanced and sustainable framework for the nation’s health 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,” Pate was quoted as saying in a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun.

The inauguration brought together key government officials, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako. Senior representatives from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission were also present.

Negotiations will cover issues such as remuneration, welfare, professional development, and working conditions. Structured engagements will be held with bodies including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

In his address, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, stressed the importance of dialogue.

“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 said.

Echoing the sentiment, Minister of State Iziaq Salako described the committee as central to Nigeria’s broader reform goals.

“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,” Salako said.

The Federal Government urged all stakeholders to approach the talks with sincerity, compromise, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.