Nationwide Nurses’ Strike Called Off After Successful Negotiations with FG

In a major development for the health sector, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially called off its nationwide warning strike. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, following a closed-door meeting with union leaders held in Abuja on Friday, August 1.

The industrial action, which commenced on July 29, had caused widespread disruptions in federal health institutions across the country. Nurses and midwives had embarked on the strike to press home their demands for improved welfare, equitable allowances, and better working conditions.

According to Minister Pate, the strike was suspended after fruitful deliberations between the federal government and the leadership of the union. While the government has assured its commitment to addressing the issues raised, union leaders declined to comment immediately after the meeting.

Prior to the strike, the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government on July 14, urging urgent attention to their long-standing demands. However, according to the NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, the government had failed to engage with them during the ultimatum period, prompting the nationwide walkout.

“There was no communication from the government throughout the notice period,” Rilwan had stated before the strike began. “That’s why we maintained the strike would go ahead regardless of any last-minute call — they had more than enough time to act.”

Among the key demands made by the association were:

• An upward review of shift duty and uniform allowances
• Implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses
• Increased core duty allowance
• Mass recruitment of nurses to address workforce shortages
• Establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health

Rilwan emphasized that the decision to embark on industrial action was not made lightly but stemmed from years of deep-rooted frustration and government inaction.

With the strike now suspended, there is cautious optimism within the healthcare community as nurses and midwives return to their posts. Stakeholders and health workers alike are hoping the federal government follows through on its promises to avoid further disruptions in the already overstretched health sector.