Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, met today with top executives of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and representatives from the Ministry of Labour, as discussions continued to seek resolution to the nationwide nurses’ strike.
Now entering its third day, the seven-day warning strike began on July 29, 2025, following expiration of a 15-day ultimatum the union issued on July 14. Key demands include improved welfare, fair working conditions, paid allowances, and creation of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Minister Pate confirmed the meeting while speaking to Vanguard, emphasizing the government’s willingness to engage, but also urging patience as complex reforms are worked through. Meanwhile, Vanguard reported that the government appealed to nurses to “show commitment” before considering a strike suspension—an appeal the union rejected, citing lack of tangible progress.
Union president Morakinyo Rilwan reiterated that promises alone won’t stop the strike. The union demands a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), not just vague assurances, to verify progress in key areas.
As health facilities nationwide grapple with disrupted services, thousands of patients are being turned away or migrating to private clinics. Access to emergency care, surgeries, antenatal appointments, and chronic treatments have been severely affected in states like Lagos and Kwara.
With negotiations resuming this week, both sides express cautious optimism—but tensions remain high. The strike threatens to extend into an indefinite closure if demands are unmet by the August 5 deadline.
Why It Matters:
- Systemic reforms in nurses’ welfare and staffing could shape broader healthcare policy.
- The healthcare delivery system is already under strain from multiple ongoing labor disputes.
- Union insistence on legal validation and accountability makes this crisis a test case for Nigeria’s social dialogue mechanisms.
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