The federal government has retracted the controversial circular on nurses’ wages that recently sparked nationwide outrage among healthcare workers and raised fears of an impending strike.
Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, made the announcement on Thursday during a briefing with State House correspondents following the federal executive council (FEC) meeting led by President Bola Tinubu.
Prof Pate emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering industrial peace and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery across Nigeria. He acknowledged that the circular, issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), had caused significant discontent among nurses and other healthcare professionals due to its implications for accrued wages and welfare entitlements.
“We recognize the dissatisfaction stemming from the recent circular, and in our role as a responsive government, we have decided to withdraw it,” the minister stated. “We are now engaged in transparent negotiations to increase allowances and address the welfare concerns raised by our health workers.”
The contentious circular, which appeared to alter salary structures and entitlements, provoked strong reactions from the Nigeria Union of Nurses and other affiliated healthcare groups, who threatened industrial action unless the directive was rescinded.
Pate confirmed that the government has initiated formal dialogue with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the nurses’ union, to tackle their grievances and negotiate in good faith. He noted that deadlines for negotiations have been extended and that the ministry of finance is actively working on plans for the disbursement of outstanding arrears.
He also addressed concerns raised by nurses regarding the centralization of postings and recruitment processes. “We have agreed to handle postings in a fair and orderly manner,” he stated.
In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Pate highlighted broader reforms within the healthcare sector, praising President Tinubu’s leadership for what he termed a “revolution” in the health system, particularly regarding investments in healthcare infrastructure across the nation.