Nigerian Nurses Suspend Nationwide Strike After Government Talks

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike.

The development was confirmed on Saturday by the association’s Assistant Secretary-General, Chidi Aligwe, who said, “The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately.”

The strike, which began on Wednesday, was intended to push for several long-standing demands, including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the creation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Following a virtual meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday, the strike was called off. The decision came after discussions on Friday between the association and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of Service, the Office of the Accountant General, and the National Salaries and Wages Commission, among others.

In a circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike,” signed by NANNM National President Haruna Mamman and General Secretary T.A. Shettima, the NEC cited progress in negotiations and a time-bound implementation plan as reasons for suspending the strike.

“NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation,” the circular read.

The association urged all state councils to mobilise members for an immediate return to work and warned against any form of victimisation against those who participated in the strike.

“NEC appreciates the commitment and solidarity of all members throughout this action and reiterates that NANNM remains steadfast in defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria,” the statement added.