NANNM Insists Nurses’ Strike Still Ongoing Despite Minister’s Claim

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has refuted claims that it has suspended its ongoing industrial action, insisting the strike is still in full effect.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, had earlier told reporters on Friday in Abuja that the association had called off its seven-day warning strike following agreements reached during a closed-door meeting with union leaders.

However, in a phone conversation with Daily Trust, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, dismissed the minister’s announcement, stating that only the association has the authority to end the strike.

“If it was the Minister who organized the strike, then he could call it off. As far as I’m concerned, the strike organized by the association is still ongoing. The Minister didn’t organize the strike, so he doesn’t have the authority to call it off,” Rilwan said.

He added that due process must be followed before any decision to suspend the industrial action can be made.

The warning strike, which began on Wednesday, was triggered by unresolved issues such as poor wages, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions. It followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by the association to the federal government.

The nurses’ strike has further strained Nigeria’s healthcare system, already grappling with an ongoing dispute between medical doctors and the government over similar welfare concerns.