Nurses Return To Work After Strike With Warning Against Witch Hunt Of Protesters

Nurses and Midwives across Nigeria have ended their warning strike and are heading back to work, but they have made it clear that no one who joined the protest should be punished.

The strike, which lasted four days, was called off after a virtual meeting of the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.

The strike was organised to push for better working conditions and salaries. Nurses had been demanding changes such as higher shift and uniform allowances, a dedicated salary structure, and more recruitment in the sector. They also wanted the government to create a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health and boost core duty allowances.

Before the strike was suspended, representatives of the nurses met with officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, the Office of the Head of Service, the Accountant-General’s office, and other key government bodies. These talks led to a memorandum of understanding that addressed the union’s core demands and set clear deadlines for implementation.

After carefully reviewing the agreement, the nurses’ leadership decided it was time to end the industrial action. They said the government had taken steps in the right direction and showed a willingness to meet the union’s demands within an agreed timeframe. As a result, the association asked all nurses to return to duty immediately.

However, while calling off the strike, the union issued a strong warning: no nurse—whether full-time, intern, or temporary—should face any form of punishment for joining the action. They insisted that every member acted within their rights and must be protected from harassment or discrimination.

The association thanked its members for standing united during the strike and promised to keep a close watch on the government’s actions. They said they would track how well the agreement is followed and make sure the authorities stick to the terms. The union also reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian nurses and midwives.