August 1, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day warning strike, bringing relief to patients and healthcare facilities across the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, following a closed-door meeting with the union’s leadership on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The strike, which began on July 29, 2025, was initiated due to the government’s alleged failure to address a 15-day ultimatum issued by NANNM on July 14. The union had demanded improved welfare packages, equitable allowances, better working conditions, and institutional reforms, including the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health. The industrial action disrupted healthcare services in federal hospitals, leaving many patients stranded and critical cases unattended.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Professor Pate confirmed that the suspension followed productive agreements reached with NANNM leaders. “We have engaged in constructive dialogue, and I’m pleased to announce that the nurses and midwives have called off their strike,” Pate said. He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of health workers while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery. However, NANNM representatives declined to provide details on the specific terms of the agreement.
The strike’s suspension comes after days of intense negotiations, with the Federal Government withdrawing a controversial circular on wages that had sparked outrage among health workers. Pate had earlier described the government’s efforts as part of a “revolution” in the health sector under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting investments in infrastructure and equipment at tertiary hospitals.
NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had previously criticized the government for failing to engage meaningfully during the ultimatum period, stating, “Fifteen days was enough for them to call us for negotiations.” The union’s demands included an upward review of shift allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, mass employment of nurses, and fair representation in policy-making bodies.
Patients and hospital staff expressed relief at the strike’s suspension. “We were worried about our loved ones who couldn’t get proper care,” said Aisha Mohammed, a relative of a patient at a federal hospital in Kano. “We hope the government keeps its promises so this doesn’t happen again.”
While the immediate crisis has been averted, the healthcare sector remains under scrutiny as stakeholders await the implementation of the agreements. The Minister of Health assured Nigerians that further discussions with health workers would continue to promote industrial peace.
Stay tuned to Warrivoice.com for updates on this developing story and more breaking news.
Source: Channels Television, Leadership.ng
I hope the demands of health workers are attended to , particularly Doctors a lot attention should be focused in health care.
ReplyDelete