The Federal Government says it is committed to averting any disruptions in Nigeria’s health sector, especially those from industrial actions.
It also assured Nigerians that it is working to keep hospitals open and health workers on duty by actively engaging with unions and professional associations.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Pate said the FG is “negotiating in good faith” with key stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
“This is a listening government,” he argued, noting that a controversial circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had been withdrawn following backlash from health workers.
“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,” Pate said.
Nigeria’s health sector appeared to be edging toward another disruption after nurses and midwives began a seven-day nationwide warning strike on July 30, 2025, demanding better pay, staffing and conditions.
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives warned it could escalate to indefinite action if talks fail, after negotiations with a federal team broke down.
There were reports of service disruptions across major hospitals nationwide as the union decried severe workforce drain, with more than 42,000 nurses leaving the country in the past three years.
Doctors have also raised similar threats. The Nigerian Medical Association suspended a planned strike but issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum to resolve a 14-point list, including payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of adjusted CONMESS salary arrears, and inclusion of house officers in the civil service scheme.
In Lagos, a separate three-day warning strike by Medical Guild doctors cited sudden, “illegal” deductions from July salaries, further straining care.
Aside from nurses and doctors, JOHESU and allied unions have also signalled support and fresh pressure over hazard allowances, withheld salaries and CONHESS adjustments.
The Minister hinted at ongoing talks with the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional bodies, describing recent engagements as constructive.
“We engaged with their leadership, which was very constructive in its approach.
“We extended that ultimatum while many of the outstanding issues have been looked into, including their outstanding arrears, for which the Minister of Finance is going to ensure that those are being disbursed over time”, he said.
