Nigerian Nurses And Midwives Suspend Nationwide Warning Strike After Four Days

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called off its seven-day nationwide warning strike.

The decision came after an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday, where members reviewed the outcome of recent discussions with the Federal Government.

KanyiDaily recalls that the nurses began the strike on Wednesday in a bid to push for several demands, including better shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased duty allowances, large-scale recruitment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

On Friday, NANNM officials met with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Office of the Accountant General, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, among others, to negotiate a resolution.

Speaking on Saturday, NANNM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Chidi Aligwe, confirmed the end of the strike, stating that nurses and midwives should return to work immediately.

“The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately,” Aligwe said.

A formal circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike” was signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima.

It confirmed that the NEC had reviewed and accepted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government, especially the timeline set for addressing key demands.

The circular reads in part: “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.

“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect.

“NEC has directed the national leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the signed MoU and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.

“State councils are directed to mobilize members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including intern and locum nurses, should be victimized for participating in the nationwide 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.”

This comes a few hours after the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, announced that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) had called off its seven-day warning strike.