After days of uncertainty, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its nationwide warning strike, ending a tense standoff between health workers and the Federal Government.
This announcement comes amid confusion, as initial reports suggested the strike had ended prematurely.
The confusion began on Friday, when Health Minister Ali Pate claimed the strike had been suspended following a closed-door meeting with the union.
However, the NANNM Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector swiftly countered the statement.
According to Omomo Tibiebi, the association’s national PRO, “The strike has not been suspended. He wasn’t the one that called the strike in the first place, so he has no right to call it off.”
He added that a decision would only be made after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Saturday.
That NEC meeting has now taken place—virtually—and the strike has officially been suspended.
“No Nurse Should Be Victimised” — NEC Issues Fresh Directive
A circular signed by NANNM President Haruna Mamman and General Secretary T.A. Shettima directed all state councils to mobilise members back to duty immediately.
“No member of NANNM, including intern and locum nurses, should be victimised for participating in the nationwide strike,” the circular warned.
The decision came after a comprehensive meeting involving the Federal Ministry of Health, Head of Service, Ministry of Labour, Accountant-General’s office, National Salaries and Wages Commission, and other government stakeholders.
During the talks, parties reviewed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that covered the association’s nine core demands, including:
- Upward review of shift allowance
- Increase in uniform allowance
- Creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses
- Implementation of core duty allowance
- Mass recruitment of nurses
- Establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Ministry of Health
NEC acknowledged the government’s positive response and commitment to a time-bound implementation framework.
“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect,” the circular read.
Government on the Clock, Nurses Watching Closely
While the strike has ended, NANNM made it clear that the battle isn’t over. They have vowed to closely monitor the government’s adherence to the signed MoU.
“NANNM remains steadfast in defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria,” the union stated.
Many Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to honour its promises, as a breakdown could further disrupt healthcare delivery across the country.
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