The Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, has announced that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, August 1, after a closed-door meeting in Abuja, Pate confirmed that the decision followed successful negotiations between the federal government and the union’s leadership. However, union officials declined to speak to the press following the meeting.
The strike, which began on July 29 and was expected to last until August 5, had severely disrupted operations across federal health institutions. The nurses had embarked on the strike over demands for improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions.
Previously, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, accused the government of disregarding a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“As far as we’re concerned, there’s been no communication from the government. That’s why the strike is ongoing and will not be stopped,” Rilwan said at the time. “Even if they call today or tomorrow, the strike will continue. They had ample time to respond.”
The union's key demands included an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, large-scale recruitment of nursing personnel, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan emphasized that the strike action stemmed from long-standing frustration and neglect by the government, adding that the situation had reached a breaking point for many nurses across the country.
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