In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Guidelines on Collective Bargaining Agreement Machinery, the Federal Government has inaugurated and formally convened the Committee on Collective Bargaining for the Health Sector, signaling the official commencement of negotiations with major health sector unions.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who led the inauguration, stated that this effort of the government was geared at building a fair and sustainable framework for the 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.” He said

The high-level inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, Friday, August 15, had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Senior officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation among others.

The negotiations will involve structured engagements with key health sector unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), focusing on critical issues such as remuneration, working conditions, professional development, and welfare of health workers.

In his remarks, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Honourable 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.”

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.