Nurses Call Off Nationwide Strike After Deal With Federal Government

After four days of industrial action, Nigerian nurses and midwives have suspended their warning strike following a successful negotiation with the Federal Government.

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) began a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday to press home their demands for better working conditions. These included an increase in shift and uniform allowances, a new salary structure specifically for nurses, higher core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nursing staff, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Confirming the development on Saturday, NANNM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Chidi Aligwe, said the union decided to suspend the strike after both sides reached key agreements during a closed-door meeting in Abuja.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Ali Pate, also confirmed the resolution, saying the government is committed to improving the welfare of healthcare workers and addressing their concerns in a phased but sincere manner.

“The striking nurses decided to call off the strike after extensive deliberations and agreements on critical concerns raised by the association,” Pate stated.

He added that steps will be taken to implement the resolutions gradually, while ensuring continuous dialogue with the union.

NANNM leaders also emphasized that they will continue to engage with the Federal Government to ensure that all agreed terms are implemented in full.