BREAKING: Health Minister Meets Striking Nurses, Midwives Over Ongoing Nationwide Warning Strike

The Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, on Friday, held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to address the grievances that led to the nationwide warning strike declared by nurses and midwives under NANNM.

The nurses began their warning strike on July 29, 2025, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on July 14. The industrial action affects public health institutions across the country and is expected to last until August 5, 2025.

According to the union, the strike was triggered by the government’s failure to meaningfully respond to their demands during the ultimatum period.

The National Chairman of NANNM, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the strike would continue despite any late intervention from the government.

“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it. Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” he said.

The union’s demands include: Upward review of shift allowances, Adjustment of uniform allowance, Implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, Increase in core duty allowance, Mass employment of nurses in federal health institutions, Creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health

Rilwan emphasized that the decision to embark on the strike was not made solely by the leadership but was driven by widespread frustration among members over years of neglect and poor working conditions.

CHANNELS