The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has endorsed a National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) aimed at averting frequent industrial actions and fostering stronger collaboration between government, employers, and labour unions.
The policy is designed to streamline dispute resolution mechanisms and reduce tensions that often result in strikes across the country’s workforce.
Speaking after the FEC meeting in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the new framework is intended to ensure smooth workflow and promote tripartite cooperation. “The policy will ensure seamless workflow, promote social dialogue, and enhance tripartite cooperation among government, employers, and workers,” Idris told reporters.
The approval came on the heels of a crippling three-day nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which entered its second day on Wednesday, paralyzing health services in several states. The strike, triggered by a controversial circular excluding nurses from revised allowances, has drawn widespread criticism from across the health sector.
In response to the backlash, the Federal Government has withdrawn the contentious circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, confirmed the withdrawal and noted that government is engaging key stakeholders in a bid to reach amicable resolutions.
“This is a listening government,” Pate said. “We are in the process of negotiating transparently the increment in allowances so that we meet those health workers’ needs that they have expressed.”
Pate disclosed that talks are underway with various health unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), both of which have issued ultimatums threatening their own industrial actions. He described recent engagements with the unions as “constructive.”
Nurses have voiced deep dissatisfaction over being excluded from revised hazard and clinical duty allowances, despite forming the bulk of the workforce in federal health institutions. Many described the omissions as disrespectful and demoralising, particularly amid the exodus of health workers seeking better conditions abroad.
Chairman of NANNM at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr. Madonna Wichendu, said the strike was a response to longstanding injustices. “We have been excluded from upward reviews of allowances, and this has been the trend despite repeated promises by the government,” he stated.
At UPTH, the strike’s impact was visible. Patients were discharged en masse due to a lack of nursing staff, with some left in the care of overwhelmed health assistants. A patient said: “I was told to return on Saturday, but I don’t know if nurses will be around then.” Reports confirmed mass discharge from Gynaecology, Psychiatry, and other wards.
Similarly, at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, operations have virtually ground to a halt. Patients in need of urgent care were left unattended, and doctors struggled to fill the void. Peace Agadama, one of the patients, said her condition had deteriorated as a result. “There’s no one to help. I’ve had my cannula changed four times in two days,” she lamented.
Head of Nursing Services at the Kaduna centre, Abbas Daura, said nurses had completely pulled out, leaving only emergency care in place. “You can see the situation yourself. Nobody is happy. The patients are the ones suffering,” he said, adding that they hoped for a swift resolution to the impasse.
Amid the escalating crisis, the House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity appealed for restraint. Its chairman, Adegboyega Adefarati, urged nurses to consider the broader national interest and resume work while dialogue continues. “This strike is disruptive and is worsening an already strained healthcare system,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, at the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, Ondo State, nurses have vowed not to return to duty until their grievances are addressed. Secretary of the local association, Mr. Coker Oluwasegun, said the government’s neglect of their welfare was unacceptable. “We have had enough promises without action,” he stated.
As part of efforts to revamp the health system, the FEC also approved the upgrade of the oncology centre at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The upgrade will involve installing a Linear Accelerator for cancer treatment, among other improvements. “This will enable Nigerians who are suffering from cancer to be catered for,” said Pate.
The minister also touted massive developments at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, describing it as one of the largest hospitals in the region. In recent days, the facility has commissioned over ten new centres, including those dedicated to neurology, stroke, cardiology, and oncology.
Despite these infrastructure milestones, unrest among health workers remains a formidable threat to service delivery. The NIRP, though a step forward in formalising labour relations, may not offer immediate relief to a system under pressure unless swiftly backed with concrete actions and trust-building engagements.
Leave a comment