The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has dismissed reports alleging that the Federal Government suspended collective bargaining agreements with stakeholders in the health sector until after 2027.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry described the claims as false, misleading and inconsistent with the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on workers’ welfare and industrial harmony.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue and continued engagement with unions and professional bodies in the healthcare sector.

According to the ministry, negotiations with relevant health sector unions are 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 added that the reports were “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 stressed that the Federal Government recognises the vital role healthcare professionals play in national development and the delivery of public healthcare services.

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

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