The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its industrial action, following successful negotiations with the Federal Government, Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate announced on Friday, August 1. Speaking after a closed-door meeting with union representatives, Pate confirmed to journalists that the warning strike, which began on July 29, had been officially suspended.
“The industrial action has been suspended,” he stated.
Union leaders, however, declined to speak with the press after the meeting.
The strike, initially expected to run until August 5, disrupted services in public health institutions nationwide. It followed a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, during which nurses accused the government of ignoring their demands.
Nurses’ Demands Included:
- Upward review of shift and uniform allowances
- Implementation of a dedicated salary structure
- Increased core duty allowance
- Mass employment of nurses
- Creation of a Nursing Department in the Federal Ministry of Health
Prior to the suspension, NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had criticized the government for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government. That is why we said the strike would go on,” Rilwan had earlier stated.
The outcome of the agreement terms was not publicly disclosed, but the suspension signals progress in addressing longstanding grievances in Nigeria’s health sector.
