The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide industrial action following a closed-door meeting with government officials on Friday.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, confirmed the development while briefing journalists after the meeting in Abuja. He disclosed that a resolution was reached after negotiations with the association’s leadership.
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Although representatives of NANNM did not speak to the press, the outcome signals a temporary end to the strike that had disrupted activities across federal health institutions since July 29, 2025. The warning strike was initially scheduled to last until August 5.
The nurses embarked on the strike over grievances related to welfare, poor working conditions, and the government’s failure to respond to a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
Before the suspension, NANNM National Chairman Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan had criticized the government for ignoring the association’s concerns during the negotiation window.
“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,” he stated earlier in the week. “Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.”
The association’s demands include a review of shift and uniform allowances, the adoption of a separate salary structure for nurses, improved core duty allowances, recruitment of additional personnel, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department under the Federal Ministry of Health.
Comrade Rilwan stressed that the strike was not a decision of the leadership alone but a reflection of widespread discontent among members over what they described as years of neglect.
With the suspension now in effect, stakeholders are hopeful that negotiations will yield tangible improvements in the welfare of nurses and midwives, who form the backbone of the country’s healthcare system.
