Health sector welfare reforms ongoing as FG pledges better pay, infrastructure, and dialogue with workers to strengthen healthcare and prevent strikes
Health sector welfare reforms are now a top priority for the Federal Government as it moves to resolve long-standing grievances of health workers and avert further labour unrest.
Also read: Kwara Nurses Strike Highlights Neglect of Health Workers’ Demands
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made this known following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Pate said the government is actively engaging stakeholders like the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which recently issued an ultimatum over unresolved issues.
“There are matters we can resolve through negotiation. We are committed, in good faith, to resolving these concerns over time,” Pate stated.
He emphasized that health workers remain the lifeblood of Nigeria’s healthcare system and must be matched with improved infrastructure and tools.
Significant strides are already being made, including state-of-the-art oncology centres recently launched in Katsina, Enugu, and Maiduguri.
Pate also announced FEC’s approval of a major upgrade to the Oncology Centre at UCH, Ibadan, featuring a Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer treatment.
“These world-class facilities will now cater to Nigerians battling cancer—without the burden of traveling abroad,” he said.
Pate highlighted more landmark projects inaugurated this week at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, now among the largest medical hubs in West Africa, with new neurology, stroke, heart, and radiology centres.
On labour concerns, the minister acknowledged tensions triggered by a circular from the Accrued Wages Commission, now withdrawn.
“This is a listening government,” he said. “We are now negotiating transparently to adjust allowances and meet the expressed needs of health professionals.”
The government has also centralised the posting of nurses to ensure fairness and equity in workforce distribution.
Also read: NMA Condemns Tinubu’s Plan to Send Nigerian Doctors Abroad as Health System Suffers
Pate reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a stronger healthcare system through combined investment in infrastructure and workforce welfare.
