Nigerian nurses and midwives have suspended their nationwide warning strike following a closed-door meeting with the Federal Government.
The strike, which began on July 29, 2025, was organised by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). It was originally scheduled to end on August 5.
Minister of Health, Ali Pate, confirmed the suspension while briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday. He said the decision came after fruitful negotiations with NANNM’s national leadership.
“We’ve reached a consensus,” Pate said. “The strike has been called off.”
Union leaders, however, declined to comment after the meeting. Their silence contrasted with earlier strong remarks made during the strike’s early days.
Welfare Demands and Unmet Promises
The nurses went on strike due to what they described as the government’s silence after their 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
They demanded fairer allowances, better working conditions, and recognition of their contributions to the health system.
NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had accused the government of failing to engage seriously during the grace period.
“There has been no communication from the government to this moment,” he said. “They had enough time.”
He added that the strike wasn’t a top-down decision, but a result of “long-standing neglect” and growing frustration among members.
A Long List of Grievances
Top on the union’s list of demands were the upward review of shift allowances, uniform allowance adjustments, and a distinct salary structure for nurses.
They also pushed for increased core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, and a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
While Pate’s announcement signals hope, people will be watching closely to see if the government follows through with its promises.
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