The federal government has officially withdrawn the controversial circular on nurses' remuneration that sparked widespread dissatisfaction among health workers and raised concerns over a potential nationwide strike.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made this announcement on Thursday while addressing State House correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister acknowledged that the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had created significant unease among nursing professionals due to its perceived negative impact on their salary structure and entitlements.
"We acknowledge the discontent caused by the recent circular, and in our commitment to a listening government, we have withdrawn it," Pate stated. "We are now in transparent negotiations to increment allowances and resolve welfare concerns raised by our health workers."
The directive, which reportedly made changes to the existing wage framework, was met with strong resistance from the Nigeria Union of Nurses and affiliated healthcare associations. The groups had threatened industrial action unless the circular was revoked.
Government Initiates Dialogue with Healthcare Unions
Pate confirmed that the federal government had initiated formal engagement with relevant unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and nurses' representatives, to address the fallout and explore constructive solutions.
He also disclosed that the deadline for reaching consensus had been extended to allow for thorough discussions, noting that the Ministry of Finance is already processing plans to clear pending arrears owed to affected health personnel.
Responding to concerns over the centralisation of nurse postings and recruitment, Pate said efforts were underway to ensure equitable deployment. "For the nurses' demands regarding centralisation of postings, we have agreed to manage postings in a fair and orderly manner," he stated.
This development comes amid growing concerns about Nigeria's healthcare sector, with recent strikes by nurses and midwives paralyzing activities in several medical facilities across the country. Healthcare experts have warned that continued disputes over remuneration and working conditions could accelerate the exodus of Nigerian nurses to countries in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
The government's decision to withdraw the circular represents a significant concession to the demands of healthcare workers and demonstrates a willingness to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation over critical workforce issues.
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