Nigerian Nurses Call Off Strike After Meeting with Federal GovernmentThe National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike following successful negotiations with the Federal Government.Minister of Health Ali Pate announced the development on Friday after a closed-door meeting with union leaders in Abuja.
He confirmed that agreements were reached addressing key concerns raised by the association.However, the union’s leadership declined to comment after the meeting, leaving the specifics of the agreement undisclosed.
The strike, which began on July 29, had disrupted services in public health institutions nationwide. It was originally scheduled to run until August 5.Nurses and midwives had downed tools to demand improved welfare packages, revised allowances, better working conditions, and structural reforms within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Earlier, NANNM National Chairman Morakinyo Rilwan criticized the government for failing to engage with the union during a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
Among the union’s demands were an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a dedicated nursing salary structure, increased core duty allowances, large-scale recruitment, and the establishment of a nursing department within the ministry.
Rilwan said the strike was a result of prolonged neglect and deep frustration among health workers. “Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” he had said before the resolution.
