In a major development for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, nurses and midwives under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have officially called off their nationwide strike. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja.
The industrial action, which began two weeks ago, had paralyzed services in public hospitals across the country, leaving patients stranded and medical services disrupted. The nurses and midwives had embarked on the strike over unresolved issues bordering on improved remuneration, better working conditions, implementation of a new hazard allowance, and timely promotion of qualified personnel.
Speaking to journalists, Prof. Pate confirmed that following several days of intensive negotiations between the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the leadership of NANNM, a mutually acceptable resolution was reached, leading to the immediate suspension of the strike.
“I am pleased to announce that the strike action embarked upon by our dedicated nurses and midwives has been suspended. This is the result of constructive dialogue, and I commend the leadership of the union for putting the health of Nigerians first,” the minister said.
As part of the agreement, the government has committed to begin phased implementation of the nurses’ demands, including:
- Immediate payment of backlog of hazard allowances
- Accelerated promotion for eligible nurses
- A review of salary structures in line with the current economic realities
- Improved working conditions and equipment supply to public health institutions
The NANNM president, Comrade Michael Nnachi, also addressed the media, stating that while the strike has been suspended, the union will continue to monitor the government’s implementation of the agreements. He added that nurses nationwide are expected to resume duties immediately to ease the burden on the healthcare system.
“Our decision to call off the strike is a gesture of goodwill. However, we expect the government to fulfill its promises within the stipulated timeframe. If not, we won’t hesitate to return to industrial action,” Nnachi warned.
The suspension of the strike has been welcomed by hospital administrators and patients alike. Many Nigerians expressed relief that critical healthcare services would now resume, especially in maternal, neonatal, and emergency care units that had been hardest hit during the walkout.
This resolution marks a significant step toward restoring normalcy in Nigeria’s public health sector and reflects growing efforts by the Tinubu administration to address longstanding grievances among health workers.
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