Nurses Call Off Strike Resume Work Nationwide

Nurses across Nigeria have returned to work after the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) called off its nationwide strike.

The strike, which was initially expected to last until Tuesday, was suspended following a decision by the union’s National Executive Council after a virtual meeting on Saturday.

The strike began over unmet demands from the federal government, which included better shift allowances, updated uniform allowances, a unique salary structure, increased core duty payments, mass recruitment of nurses, and the creation of a nursing department within the Ministry of Health. The union had blamed the government for not addressing these issues earlier, prompting the industrial action.

Following talks with several government bodies including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, and the Office of the Head of Service, NANNM agreed to suspend the strike based on new commitments made by the government. These agencies reportedly offered timelines for implementing key demands, giving the union reason to step down its action for now.

NANNM leadership has now directed all nurses and midwives, including interns and contract staff, to resume work immediately. The union also warned against any form of punishment or discrimination against those who participated in the strike.

The association said it will continue to monitor the government’s progress on fulfilling the agreement and will hold officials accountable to the promised timelines.

The suspension brings relief to hospitals and healthcare centers across the country, which had been affected by the industrial action. The move also shows that the union remains open to dialogue, even as it keeps watch on the government’s next steps.