BREAKING: Nurses, Midwives Suspend Warning Strike

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike, according to the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate.

Speaking to journalists on Friday after a closed-door meeting with union representatives, Pate confirmed that the strike was called off following agreements reached between the union and the Federal Government.

“The industrial action has been suspended,” the Minister announced, adding that the outcome was the result of successful negotiations with NANNM leadership.

However, union leaders declined to comment publicly on the outcome of the meeting.

The warning strike began on July 29, 2025, in response to the government’s failure to address the union’s demands after a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14. The strike affected public health institutions across the country and was initially expected to last until August 5, 2025.

The nurses’ demands included: Upward review of shift allowances, Adjustment of uniform allowance, Implementation of a dedicated salary structure for nurses, Increased core duty allowance, Mass employment of nurses and Creation of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

NANNM’s National Chairman, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, had earlier blamed the Federal Government for failing to engage meaningfully during the negotiation window.

“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government. That is why we said the strike would go on,” Rilwan said during the week.

He also noted that the strike action was not unilaterally declared but stemmed from widespread frustration among members over long-standing neglect and poor working conditions.

CHANNELS