The Nigerian government has inaugurated the Health Sector Collective Bargaining Committee, signalling the formal start of structured negotiations with key health unions in Nigeria.
Officials say the move is aimed at creating a fair and sustainable framework for the welfare and professional growth of the country’s health workforce.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, 15 August, in Abuja, was presided over by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE
Abuja, Nigeria | 11 August 2025FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INAUGURATES HEALTH SECTOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
The Federal Government today inaugurated and formally convocated the Committee on Collective Bargaining for the Health…
— Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA (@Fmohnigeria) August 15, 2025
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, Prof Pate said the committee’s creation aligns with Articles 1 and 2 of the Guidelines on Collective Bargaining Agreement Machinery, describing it as 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 added.
The high-profile event was attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; senior officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance; the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission; and the Budget Office of the Federation, among others.
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Negotiations will involve structured dialogue with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other professional bodies.
The talks will address issues including remuneration, working conditions, professional development, and the overall welfare of health workers.
Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi emphasised the importance of the process in fostering peace and stability within the sector.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Iziaq Salako noted that the initiative is a vital component of Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms.
“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 stated.
The Nigerian government urged all parties to approach the talks in good faith, with compromise and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.