FG Denies Suspending Health Workers’ Agreements Till 2027

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government suspended collective bargaining agreements with stakeholders in the health sector until after 2027, describing the speculation as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said the reports did not reflect the position of the administration of President Bola Tinubu or its commitment to workers’ welfare and industrial harmony within the nation’s healthcare sector.

The statement, signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Annah Daniel, stressed that the government remained committed to dialogue, constructive engagement and responsible negotiations with unions and professional bodies in the health sector.

According to the ministry, discussions with relevant health sector unions were ongoing and would continue in good faith toward achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

“The Ministry of Labour and Employment has drawn the attention of the public to reports and insinuations that the Federal Government has suspended collective bargaining agreements with stakeholders in the health sector until after 2027,” the statement read.

It described the claims as “misleading, unfounded, and do not reflect the position or commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration toward workers’ welfare and industrial harmony within the health sector.”

The ministry further noted that the Federal Government recognised the critical contributions of healthcare professionals to national development and public healthcare delivery.

It added that all engagements with unions and professional associations would continue in line with established labour laws and international best practices.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns within the health sector over wage negotiations, welfare packages and industrial relations between the government and medical workers.