The Federal Government is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting today with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing nationwide strike by nurses.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, confirmed the planned dialogue, stating that the government’s negotiation team will engage NANNM representatives in a bid to end the industrial action, which has entered its third day.
NANNM members, particularly those in Federal Health Institutions (FHIs), began a seven-day warning strike on Tuesday, July 29, over what they described as longstanding and unmet welfare demands.
The strike has severely affected healthcare delivery in public hospitals and clinics across the country, with reports of disrupted services and overwhelmed medical facilities.
The association had earlier issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 14, warning of industrial action if their grievances were not addressed. The ultimatum expired without any satisfactory response, prompting the nurses to proceed with the strike.
In a statement signed by NANNM National Secretary, Enya Osinachi, and President, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, the union said the strike followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting held on July 10.
According to the union, the industrial action became necessary due to the government’s failure to initiate dialogue on critical issues affecting nurses and midwives nationwide.
“The strike, starting at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 29, involves a total withdrawal of services across all Federal Health Institutions,” the statement read.
As the strike continues, expectations are high that today’s meeting could lead to a resolution and the return of nurses to their duty posts.
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