The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) has refuted claims that it has called off its ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike.
In a statement to our correspondent on Friday, NANNM-FHI’s National Public Relations Officer, Omomo Tibiebi, clarified that the strike, which began on Wednesday, is still in effect despite a meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health earlier that day.
The nurses initiated the strike to press for long-standing demands such as an increase in shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, higher core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Tibiebi explained, “The strike has not been suspended. Earlier today, NANNM executives met with Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who prematurely announced the strike had been called off. However, he is not the body that initiated the strike and therefore has no authority to end it. So, the strike is still ongoing.”
He further stated that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) is scheduled to meet on Saturday to review the Federal Government’s proposals and decide on the next course of action.
“There will be a National Executive Council meeting tomorrow (Saturday) where a decision will be made. We will determine if the government’s promises are sufficient for us to suspend the strike,” Tibiebi said.
Meanwhile, healthcare facilities across the country continue to feel the effects of the strike, with patients facing significant disruptions in care.
With limited staff available, hospitals are overwhelmed by patient demands, leading to the discharge of many patients, deserted wards, reduced services, and in some cases, complete shutdown of operations.
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