The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has suspended its nationwide warning strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government, according to the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, who made the announcement on Friday.
Strike Called Off After Closed-Door Talks
Speaking to reporters in Abuja after a closed-door meeting, the Health Minister confirmed that the association had agreed to suspend its strike following fresh negotiations.
“The warning strike has been called off,” Pate stated, adding that the government and the nurses’ leadership had reached a compromise.
Although union officials were present at the meeting, they refused to address the press after discussions ended.
Why Nurses Went On Strike
The nationwide warning strike, which began on July 29, was declared by the association due to what they described as persistent government neglect of their welfare. They listed poor working conditions, lack of fair allowances, and non-implementation of agreements as key reasons for the action.
The strike had paralyzed activities in federal hospitals and clinics across the country and was expected to last until August 5.
Union’s Frustration With Government Inaction
Before the meeting, the union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had criticized the Federal Government for ignoring their 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” Rilwan said during the strike.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” he added, emphasizing the long-standing frustrations nurses have endured.
Nurses’ Demands Remain Unresolved
The nurses and midwives are demanding:
- A separate salary structure tailored to their profession
- An upward review of shift and uniform allowances
- Increase in core duty allowances
- Mass recruitment of nurses to address staff shortages
- Establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health
The union maintains that many of these issues have been ignored for years, contributing to the increasing number of nurses leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Cautious Relief
While the suspension of the strike is a temporary relief for public healthcare institutions, observers warn that unless the government acts swiftly on its promises, the association may resume industrial action.
The nurses warning strike, though now suspended, has once again highlighted the crisis in Nigeria’s health sector, especially the long-standing neglect of frontline health workers
