FG Reaches Deal With Nurses, Strike Called Off

Action disrupted services across hospitals since July 29
Demands included better welfare, fair allowances, and recruitment
Minister of Health Ali Pate confirms resolution; union leaders stay silent

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially called off its nationwide warning strike, following successful negotiations with the Federal Government

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Eko Hot Blog gathered that the announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, after a closed-door meeting held in Abuja on Friday, August 1.

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Although union leaders declined to comment after the meeting, the Health Minister told journalists that both parties had reached a mutual understanding, leading to the immediate suspension of the strike.

The industrial action, which began on July 29 and was slated to end on August 5, severely disrupted services at federal health facilities nationwide.

Before the resolution, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had accused the government of ignoring their 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, stating that there had been “no communication whatsoever.”

“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan had insisted at the time.

Among the core demands by the union were:

A review of shift and uniform allowances
Creation of a separate salary structure for nurses
Mass recruitment to ease workforce shortages
Establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health
An increase in core duty allowances

Rilwan noted that the strike was driven by deep frustration and longstanding neglect, adding that nurses are critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system but are often overlooked.

While the suspension of the strike comes as a relief to patients, many Nigerians are watching to see if the federal government will follow through on its promises.