The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day nationwide warning strike following a resolution reached with the Federal Government.
The decision was announced after an emergency virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union held on Saturday, August 2, where members reviewed the outcome of recent negotiations with government officials.
In a circular jointly signed by NANNM’s National President, Comrade Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, Comrade T.A. Shettima, the union directed all nurses and midwives across the country, including interns and locum staff, to resume duties immediately.
“The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to return to work with immediate effect,” said Comrade Chidi Aligwe, the union’s Assistant Secretary-General, who confirmed the development.
The strike, which commenced on July 29, was called to press home demands for improved welfare and working conditions. Among the core issues raised by the union were the upward review of shift duty and uniform allowances, creation of a special salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nursing under the Federal Ministry of Health.
During the negotiation, federal representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant General, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission assured the union of concrete steps to address their concerns.
NANNM’s leadership said the strike was suspended based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government, which includes a clear timeline for implementation of the agreed demands.
The NEC also warned that it would closely monitor the government’s compliance with the MoU, and promised to hold authorities accountable should there be any breach. It further assured that no nurse or midwife would be victimised for participating in the strike action.
This suspension brings relief to public health facilities across the country, many of which had experienced disruptions in services due to the strike.
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