Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) National Officers Committee (NOC) has dismissed as "untrue and baseless" a circulating rumour that the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations in the health sector have been suspended until after the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Friday, May 22, 2026, the NMA NOC, led by Dr. Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, clarified that the insinuation is entirely false and that the committee has obtained a written disclaimer from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to that effect. The NOC reaffirmed its steadfast, unwavering commitment to the speedy actualisation of the CBA agreement, stating that nothing has changed in that regard.
The rumour, which had been circulating on social media and within health worker circles, suggested that the federal government had deliberately shelved negotiations on the CBA—a document that outlines the terms and conditions of service for health sector workers, including salaries, allowances, and working conditions—until after the next general election cycle. Such a delay would have left doctors, nurses, and other health professionals in a state of prolonged uncertainty, particularly at a time when the health sector is already under immense strain from brain drain, inadequate funding, and the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic. The NMA’s swift denial, backed by a written disclaimer from the Labour Ministry, appears to have doused those fears.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement in the health sector has been a subject of protracted negotiations between the federal government and health sector unions, including the NMA, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). A recent breakthrough in the negotiations had raised hopes that an agreement would be finalised soon, addressing longstanding grievances over hazard allowances, minimum wage adjustments, and career progression pathways. The rumour of a suspension until 2027 would have represented a significant setback, delaying improvements that health workers have been demanding for years.
The NMA NOC’s statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Olayinka Atilola, did not elaborate on the details of the written disclaimer from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, but it attached the document for verification. The NOC assured all members and the public that negotiations are proceeding as planned and that the CBA remains on track. The clarification is expected to ease tensions among health workers, many of whom had begun to express frustration and disillusionment over the rumoured delay.
This incident highlights the challenges of misinformation in Nigeria’s labour landscape, where unverified rumours can quickly undermine trust in official processes and destabilise industrial relations. The NMA’s proactive response, including obtaining a formal disclaimer from the relevant ministry, sets a precedent for how professional bodies can counter false narratives. As the negotiations continue, health workers will be watching closely to ensure that the commitment to a speedy actualisation translates into concrete improvements in their working conditions.
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