The Nigerian government has assured health workers that ongoing negotiations are designed to address long-standing welfare concerns within the sector, while calling on them to prioritise the well-being of the Nigerian people.
Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, gave the assurance following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking to State House correspondents, Pate confirmed that constructive dialogue is underway with major stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which recently issued an ultimatum over unresolved issues.
“There are issues we can resolve through negotiation, and we are intent, in good faith, to continue to find ways to resolve those outstanding issues with them over time.
“At the end of the day, the health workers are the lifeblood of the healthcare system, and the infrastructure and equipment we are providing have to be complemented by the health workers,” he said.
Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining peaceful labour relations and preventing strikes across the health sector.
He also highlighted the administration’s substantial investments in tertiary healthcare institutions nationwide.
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“We are seeing a revolution in terms of the infrastructure and equipment in federal tertiary institutions across our country.
“Recently launched oncology centres in hospitals in Katsina, Enugu, and Maiduguri are just examples of what this President has approved.
“Resources have already been deployed for tangible results that Nigerians can see.
“Folks who are unfortunately facing the deadly disease of cancer may now choose to use our own resources here in this country, unless somebody chooses to do otherwise.
“World-class infrastructure that this President has provided can attend to most kinds of cancers, and these are accompanied by human resources dedicated to cancer care,” he said.
The Minister also announced FEC’s approval for a major upgrade of the Oncology Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, under the health sector renewal investment initiative.
“Today’s approval is a continuation of the trend of revolutionising the health infrastructure.
“The new facility will feature a Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“This will enable Nigerians who are suffering from cancer to be catered for,” he said, noting that additional oncology centres are planned in Lagos, Nasarawa, and other states.
Referencing progress at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Pate said recent projects have transformed the facility into one of the largest in West Africa.
“This week alone, more than 10 major projects were commissioned there – a neurology centre, a stroke centre, a heart centre, an interventional radiology centre, and a revamped oncology centre.
“This country has never witnessed such attention by a president to boost the health system,” he added.
Addressing concerns within the sector, Pate acknowledged that a circular from the Accrued Wages Commission had sparked unrest among health professionals.
“This is a listening government.
“The circular was withdrawn, and now we are in the process of negotiating in a transparent manner the increment in allowances so that we meet those health workers on the needs that they have expressed,” he explained.
Pate also confirmed that the government would now centralise the posting of nurses to promote fairness and equity in workforce distribution.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive to prioritise both infrastructure development and the welfare of health professionals.