…Says dialogue with unions ongoing to resolve all grievances
The Federal Government has formally rescinded the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which triggered widespread anger among nurses and other health professionals over changes to wage structures and welfare entitlements.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Prof. Pate explained that the decision was taken to preserve industrial harmony and guarantee continuity in healthcare services across the country.
He acknowledged the unease and anxiety the circular had caused among health workers, describing the government’s response as part of its commitment to being responsive and consultative.
“We understand the dissatisfaction caused by the circular, and in line with our responsibility to listen and act constructively, it has been withdrawn,” Prof. Pate stated.
He further revealed that the government had commenced good-faith negotiations aimed at addressing the welfare demands of healthcare professionals, including discussions on enhanced allowances and the settlement of outstanding arrears.
Talks are currently ongoing with all key health sector unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and various nurses’ associations, he added.
Prof. Pate confirmed that timelines for these negotiations had been adjusted to allow for deeper engagement, while the Ministry of Finance was actively processing entitlements owed to healthcare personnel.
On the contentious issue of centralised postings and recruitment, particularly among nurses, the minister gave assurances that such matters would be handled transparently and equitably.
“For the concerns raised by the nursing profession regarding central postings, we have agreed that all deployment and recruitment processes will be approached with fairness and due consideration,” he said.
Prof. Pate also acknowledged the broader vision driving the administration’s health reforms. He credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership with initiating what he described as sweeping changes within the sector.
He pointed to increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and policy transformation as evidence of a shift in service delivery and planning across the country.