From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), has renewed its demand for a N550,000 National minimum wage, insisting that Nigerian workers deserve a living wage that reflects the Country’s current economic realities.
The Union also called for improved security, better welfare packages, increased investment in healthcare and greater inclusion of women in leadership positions during its 22nd North Central Zonal Conference, Women Workshop and Award Presentation, held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Conference Hall in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Representing the National President of MHWUN, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir, the Union’s Secretary-General, Comrade Yusuf Kiyawa, said organised labour had rejected the proposed N100,000 minimum wage and would continue to press for a realistic living wage.
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“There was a pronouncement of N100,000 as a minimum wage for Nigerian workers, which we rejected in clear terms,” Kiyawa said.
According to him, organised labour’s position is backed by research and economic data.
“We are proposing between N450,000 and N550,000 as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers. We have all the indices, analysis, data and evidence that workers deserve N550,000 as a minimum wage,” he stated.
Kiyawa expressed confidence that labour unions were fully prepared for fresh negotiations with the government on a new minimum wage structure.
“The issue of a living wage is now coming up, and I want to assure you that it will be a serious battle like never before. We will remain united in pursuing this struggle,” he added.
He urged members to remain united and support the Union’s leadership, noting that experts had been assembled to strengthen labour’s position during negotiations.
Speaking at the conference, National Vice President of MHWUN, North Central Zone, and Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kwara State, Comrade Murtala Olayinka, lamented the challenges confronting health workers, including poor remuneration, inadequate staffing, unsafe working conditions and insecurity.
“This Zonal Meeting is not merely a ritual gathering; it is a platform for honest reflection, for frank deliberation, and for collective resolve,” he said.
Chairman of MHWUN, Kwara State Council, Comrade Bolatito Oladele, also decried worsening insecurity, saying many health workers now face serious risks while travelling to and from work, particularly in rural communities.
He called on government at all levels to deploy modern technology and advanced security equipment to tackle criminal activities and safeguard healthcare personnel.
“We are here to review our progress, share innovative ideas and develop actionable strategies that directly benefit the welfare of our members,” Oladele said.
He, however, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the regular payment of workers’ salaries and praised the Acting Head of Service, Dr. Olufunke Shittu, for maintaining cordial relations with organised labour.
Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, reaffirmed the Kwara State Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and professional development of healthcare workers.
She described health workers as the backbone of the State ‘s healthcare system and appreciated their commitment to quality service delivery.
“The Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, deeply appreciates your contributions. They are innumerable, immeasurable and invaluable to the delivery of quality healthcare in our state,” she said.
El-Imam highlighted the administration’s investments in renovating primary healthcare centres, upgrading secondary health facilities, implementing the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), paying hazard allowances, recruiting healthcare workers, supporting residency training and organising regular capacity-building programmes.
“We remain committed to improving your welfare through an enabling working environment, better support and continuous capacity building because a motivated workforce is essential to achieving better health,” she said.
The Commissioner also urged participants to develop practical solutions to improve healthcare financing and service delivery, especially in underserved communities.
On women’s participation, she commended the Union for organising a women-focused workshop and challenged the leadership to increase female representation in decision-making positions.
“I want to humbly request that by your next meeting, we should see more women on this side of the leadership table. Health is one sector with a very large population of women, and that should be reflected in leadership positions,” she said.
In his fraternal Message, the Kwara State NLC Chairman, represented by the Vice Chairperson Women Committee, Comrade Victoria Agboola, said the NLC remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote decent work, equity, workers’ welfare and quality healthcare service delivery.
He commended the Union for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its members and its invaluable contribution to the growth of the healthcare sector.
On his part, the TUC Chairman, Kwara State, represented by Comrade Joseph Tunde, appreciated the Union for its support to labour movement in the State urging it to sustain the tempo.
Delivering a paper titled “Right, Justice, Action: Advancing Women in the Health Sector and Trade Union,” Gender Advocate, Mrs Olaide Ajiboye, urged stakeholders to move beyond policy declarations to practical action that promotes equality.
She advocated family-friendly workplace policies, stronger mentorship programmes for women, increased female representation in management, regular gender-sensitivity training and strict compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO), conventions and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“Rights must translate into justice through deliberate action. Every stakeholder has a responsibility to create an inclusive workplace. Together, we can build a healthier, more productive and equitable health sector,” Ajiboye said.
The conference attracted delegates from across the North Central States, Labour leaders and healthcare professionals, who pledged to strengthen collaboration in advancing workers’ welfare and improving healthcare delivery across the region.
17 personalities including the Deputy Governor of Niger State, National President of the Union, its Secretary General, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, and the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Hospital Management Board Dr, Malik Abdulraheem were given award for their contribution to the Health care and the progress of the Union.
