NMA backs collective bargaining agreement for health sector harmony

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to remain focused on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process to address health sector concerns.

The association said the CBA remains the “appropriate, lawful, and structured platform” for resolving remuneration, welfare, and industrial issues in a holistic and inclusive manner.

The NMA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to the NMA, the CBA framework offers a unique opportunity for sustainable solutions with “all relevant stakeholders adequately represented”.

The association warned that fragmented interventions, driven by pressure rather than due process, would not bring about lasting industrial harmony in the health sector.

“What the health sector requires is comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and adherence to clearly defined professional roles,” it said.

The NMA also emphasised the urgent need for government to rationalise the health workforce to prioritise efficiency, service delivery and patient outcomes.

The association noted that many ancillary and support services outside core clinical functions could be more efficiently handled through structured outsourcing arrangements.

It said such outsourcing would reduce redundancy, optimise limited resources, improve value for money, and enhance qualitative and responsive healthcare.

It called for greater policy attention towards retaining and incentivising frontline clinical workers, particularly doctors and nurses, responsible for direct patient care and clinical decision-making.

Meanwhile, the NMA clarified its position on recent statements by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The association said there was no upgrade of CONMESS in 2014, contrary to claims credited to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Conguess (TUC).

According to the NMA, what occurred was “a correction of a long-standing error and distortion” in the application of the CONMESS framework.

“By every objective, technical, and administrative definition, a correction of an anomaly does not amount to an upgrade,” the association stated.

It described attempts to portray the correction as preferential treatment as misleading and capable of fuelling inter-professional discord.

The NMA expressed concern over the issuance of public ultimatums on matters requiring verification, technical understanding and institutional engagement.

It urged labour unions to exercise caution and restraint in public communications to avoid misinforming workers and the public.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, transparency and inter-professional harmony in the interest of healthcare workers and Nigerians.