The Federal Government on Friday inaugurated the committee on collective bargaining for the health sector.
The inauguration signals the official commencement of negotiations with major health sector unions and associations, in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the guidelines on collective bargaining agreement machinery.
The negotiations will involve structured engagements with the Nigerian Medical Association, the Joint Health Sector Union, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and other health unions.
Meanwhile, the negotiations will focus on remuneration, working conditions, professional development, and the welfare of the associations and unions.
This development comes days after the NMA issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum to the government.
NANNM also suspended its warning strike while awaiting the government’s fulfilment of its demands, and JOHESU is threatening to embark on a strike.
Our correspondent learnt that the committee is headed by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, led by Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, who inaugurated the team, stated that the government’s effort is geared towards 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,” Pate said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, said, “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.”
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, noted that the committee is 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 added.
Speaking with our correspondent after the inauguration, the National Chairman, NANNM–Federal Health Institutions Sector, Morakinyo Rilwan, said, “We are optimistic that the government will keep to its own policy and honour the agreements signed.
“With the inauguration of the new committee, we hope that the government will implement our demands and resolutions.”
Representatives of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, amongst others, were also at the inauguration.
The government, however, urged all parties to engage in the negotiations in good faith, a spirit of compromise, and a shared dedication to advancing the health and well-being of Nigerians.
