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The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has warned that Nigeria’s health system is on the brink of collapse unless the government urgently tackles brain drain, insecurity, and chronic underfunding. This followed the union’s 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, which was declared open by Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, who praised the workers’ resilience amid economic and workplace challenges. In a communiqué signed by MHWUN President, Dr. Kabiru Sani, and Secretary-General, Auwalu Kiyawa, the NEC described Nigeria’s health system as far from the sector of their dream, citing poor infrastructure, inadequate personnel, and insufficient public investment. It urged the Federal Government to prioritize workers’ welfare and commit more resources to strengthen the system. The union expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship and inflation that have eroded workers’ purchasing power, calling for urgent relief measures and policies that reduce reliance on imports. The union also lamented the massive exodus of doctors, nurses, and other skilled professionals, stating that it has crippled healthcare delivery and exacerbated medical tourism. According to the NEC, over 60,000 nurses and 19,000 doctors have reportedly left Nigeria in the past two decades, leaving behind a demoralized and overstretched workforce. Sani described the migration as a rational response to a system that fails to reward diligence or guarantee dignity, urging the government to create incentives that make working in Nigeria a dignified choice. MHWUN condemned the country’s persistent failure to meet the 15 percent health budget commitment of the 2001 Abuja Declaration, describing it as unacceptable. It also decried rising insecurity, internal displacement, and economic hardship, saying these challenges are worsening poverty and threatening national stability. The NEC called for greater investment in climate change adaptation and applauded the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change. However, it urged the government to declare a national emergency to mitigate the impact of flooding, food shortages, and disease outbreaks. On internal matters, Sani announced that the union had implemented a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for its staff, cleared backlogs of deductions, and ensured the payment of outstanding pension and benefit arrears. He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for parity with doctors’ pay under CONMESS. Read Also: FG moves to avert strike, begins release of ₦11.9b for health workers’ arrears He emphasized that a sustainable health system must be built on respect for collective agreements, warning that ignoring signed pacts undermines industrial peace. In his remarks, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, blamed the crisis in the health sector on policies that prioritize profit over people. He condemned poor working conditions and underfunding, accusing the government of neglecting public health while officials seek medical care abroad, saying “Our health sector continues to bleed because the government prefers to die abroad rather than fix the system here”. He urged MHWUN to rally all health unions under the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) for stronger collective action, stressing, that only radical and organized mobilization could save the sector. Ajaero also called for greater political participation by workers ahead of 2027, warning that without labour’s influence in policymaking, “the cycle of decay will continue.” The meeting also honoured late labour icons, Comrades Ali Chiroma and Kasham Thomas, hailing their integrity, courage, and lifelong service to workers’ welfare. The delegates said their legacy would continue to inspire MHWUN’s pursuit of dignity, fairness, and justice for all.
