JUST IN: FG Bows to Pressure, Withdraws Circular on Nurses’ Wages

The federal government has officially withdrawn the controversial circular on nurses’ wages that recently sparked widespread outrage among health workers and ignited fears of an imminent strike.

Speaking to State House correspondents on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, confirmed the withdrawal of the directive. He stated that the move reflects the government’s commitment to sustaining industrial harmony and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery nationwide.

Pate acknowledged that the circular, which was issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), had stirred discontent among nurses and allied health professionals. It was perceived as a threat to accrued wages and welfare entitlements, prompting strong reactions from the Nigeria Union of Nurses and other affiliated health bodies, many of whom had warned of possible strike action unless the circular was rescinded.

“We acknowledge the discontent caused by the recent circular, and in our commitment to a listening government, we have withdrawn it,” Pate said. “We are now in transparent negotiations to increment allowances and resolve welfare concerns raised by our health workers.”

According to the minister, formal dialogue is underway with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the nurses’ union, to address outstanding grievances and reach consensus through good-faith negotiations. He revealed that deadlines for these discussions have been extended and that the Ministry of Finance is already working on disbursing outstanding arrears owed to healthcare workers.

Pate also responded to concerns raised by nurses regarding the centralisation of postings and recruitment, stating that the government had agreed to manage these processes fairly and systematically to ensure equity and order.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as pivotal to an ongoing transformation within the health sector. He cited ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure as part of a broader effort to revitalise the system and improve service delivery across the country.