The federal government, on Friday in Abuja, inaugurated the committee on collective bargaining for the health sector.

The inauguration signals the official commencement of negotiations with major health sector unions, in line with Articles One and Two of the Guidelines on Collective Bargaining Agreement Machinery.

The committee was inaugurated by the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Muhammad Pate, according to a statement issued by Alaba Balogun, head of information and public relations.

At the inauguration, Mr Pate said the government’s effort was to build a fair and sustainable framework for the health sector’s workforce.

“The convocation of this committee is 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 also called on all parties to engage in the negotiations in good faith, in a spirit of compromise, and with a shared dedication to advancing the health and well-being of Nigerians.

In his remarks, the minister of labour and employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, said that collective bargaining was 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.”

On his part, the minister of state for health and social welfare, Iziaq Salako, said it was a critical step in the nation’s broader health sector reform agenda.

“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.”

The negotiations will involve structured engagements with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), among others.

They will focus on remuneration, working conditions, professional development, and the welfare of health workers.

The inauguration ceremony had in attendance senior officials from the office of the secretary to the government of the federation and the federal ministry of finance.

It also had officials from 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.

(NAN)