By Michael Oche
The Federal Government has assured health workers of its commitment to concluding ongoing negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in a fair and sustainable manner, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, gave the assurance on Friday while speaking at the 25th plenary session of the West African Health Sector Unions Network (WAHSUN) held in Abuja.
Addressing participants under the theme, “Strengthening Public Healthcare Delivery Systems in West Africa: Trade Union Strategies for Workforce Protection, Equity and Universal Health Coverage,” the minister emphasised the critical role of health workers in sustaining functional health systems across the region.
He acknowledged longstanding challenges within Nigeria’s health sector, particularly those affecting the workforce, and said the government remains committed to rebuilding trust with health unions through sustained dialogue.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to achieving a fair and lasting resolution of all those longstanding issues,” Pate said. “As long as we continue to engage in good faith, keeping the welfare of our people at the centre, we will conclude the CBA negotiations.”
The minister noted that health systems across West Africa are interconnected, stressing that developments in one country often have implications for others. He called for stronger regional collaboration to address shared challenges, including disease outbreaks and workforce shortages.
Pate also highlighted Nigeria’s support for the Accra Reset, an initiative aimed at promoting African-led solutions in healthcare delivery, reducing external dependency, and prioritising domestic investment in the sector.
He commended the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Ghana’s President, John Mahama, for advancing the initiative at the continental level.
On healthcare financing, the minister described investment in health as a “political choice,” noting that while budgetary allocations remain modest, there has been a steady increase in prioritisation.
According to him, the sector received about six per cent of the federal budget in 2026, which is the highest in over a decade.
He added that improvements are also being recorded at the sub-national level, with some states surpassing the 15 per cent benchmark set under the Abuja Declaration.
Pate further disclosed that government interventions have expanded healthcare access, with basic healthcare funding now reaching over 8,000 facilities, with plans to scale up to 13,000.
He said thousands of frontline health workers are also undergoing training to improve service delivery.
Despite these gains, the minister admitted that significant challenges remain, particularly in areas of remuneration, infrastructure, and service affordability.
He, however, expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and collaboration with stakeholders would lead to a more resilient and equitable health system.
He urged health workers and union leaders across the region to sustain advocacy efforts and maintain solidarity in pushing for improved working conditions and better health outcomes for citizens.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the WAHSUN plenary brought together health sector unions from across West Africa to deliberate on strategies for strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing universal health coverage in the region.
