The federal government has officially withdrawn the contentious circular on nurses’ wages that recently sparked widespread outrage among healthcare workers.
Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Pate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services across the nation.
He acknowledged that the circular, issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), had caused significant dissatisfaction among nurses and other health professionals due to its impact 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“We acknowledge the discontent caused by the recent circular, and in our commitment to a listening government, we have withdrawn it,” the minister stated.
“We are now in transparent negotiations to increment allowances and resolve welfare concerns raised by our health workers.”
The now-withdrawn circular, which sought to modify existing salary structures and entitlements, had triggered strong reactions from the Nigeria Union of Nurses and affiliated health groups, many of whom threatened to embark on strike unless the directive was reversed.
Pate confirmed that formal negotiations were already underway with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the nurses’ union, to address their concerns and reach fair resolutions.
He noted that deadlines for the ongoing talks had been extended, while the Ministry of Finance was working on plans to disburse outstanding arrears.
He also responded to the issue of centralised postings and recruitment, which had been a major point of concern for nurses.
“For the nurses’ demands regarding centralisation of postings, we have agreed to manage postings in a fair and orderly manner,” he said.
Highlighting broader sector-wide reforms, Pate commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as driving a “revolution” in the healthcare system, with visible investments in infrastructure nationwide.
