FG withdraws controversial circular on nurses’ wages in bid to end strike

The federal government has withdrawn the controversial circular on nurses’ wages that recently triggered nationwide outrage among health workers and raised fears of a looming strike.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, announced the withdrawal on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

Pate said the government was committed to promoting industrial peace and uninterrupted healthcare delivery across the country.

He acknowledged that the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had caused discontent among nurses and other health professionals due to its implications on accrued wages and welfare entitlements.

“We acknowledge the discontent caused by the recent circular, and in our commitment to a listening government, we have withdrawn it,” the minister said.

“We are now in transparent negotiations to increment allowances and resolve welfare concerns raised by our health workers.”

The circular, which appeared to alter salary structures and entitlements, caused reactions from the Nigeria Union of Nurses and other affiliate health groups, with threats of industrial action unless the directive was rescinded.

Pate confirmed that the government had opened formal dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the nurses’ union, to address their grievances and negotiate in good faith.

He noted that deadlines for the negotiations had been extended and that the ministry of finance was already working on disbursement plans for outstanding arrears.

He also addressed concerns raised by nurses regarding the centralisation of postings and recruitment.

“For the nurses’ demands regarding centralisation of postings, we have agreed to manage postings in a fair and orderly manner,” he said.

Highlighting broader reforms in the sector, Pate praised Tinubu’s leadership in what he described as a “revolution” in the health system, citing the investment in healthcare infrastructure across the country.

The minister noted that FEC has approved N3.7 billion for an advanced oncology centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. This includes the procurement and installation of state-of-the-art cancer treatment equipment, including a Linear Accelerator.

He said the UCH upgrade would complement oncology centres already launched in Katsina, Maiduguri, and Enugu, adding that new cancer treatment facilities were also being planned for Lagos, Nasarawa, and other states.

Pate further noted that in the last week alone, the federal government had launched over ten major healthcare projects at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, including centres for neurology, stroke, heart care, interventional radiology, and oncology.

“This level of attention from a presidency to strengthen the health system is unprecedented,” he said.

Reaching out directly to healthcare workers, Pate appealed for calm and cooperation.

“We call on all our health workers — nurses, doctors, and other professionals — to keep the Nigerian person at the centre of our attention. “Let us focus on patient care while negotiations continue,” Pate said.

He assured them that the government was “working in good faith” and would deploy available resources to resolve welfare-related concerns.

“President Tinubu has encouraged the ministry to double down on both infrastructure upgrades and health worker welfare,” he said.

Pate urged union leaders to remain patient and maintain trust in the ongoing dialogue.

“This government is fully committed to keeping hospitals open and nurses on duty to secure the health of all Nigerians,” he added.