Nurses Suspend Warning Strike After Negotiation with FG

The nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has been suspended, bringing a much-needed reprieve to the nation’s healthcare sector. The suspension, announced by the union’s national leadership, follows successful negotiations and a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government.

The strike, which had a crippling effect on federal hospitals across the country, was initiated to press home a number of demands, including:

• Improved welfare and working conditions: Nurses have long been advocating for better remuneration, including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, as well as a separate salary structure for nurses.
• Addressing staffing shortages: The union has consistently called for the mass recruitment of nurses to combat the significant “brain drain” and relieve the heavy workload on existing staff.
• Professional recognition: Demands also included the gazetting of the nurses’ scheme of service and the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Federal Government, led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Minister of Labour, engaged in a series of meetings with the union. A key step towards resolving the dispute was the withdrawal of a controversial circular that had caused significant discontent among health workers.

The signed MoU reportedly includes a time-bound framework for the implementation of the nurses’ nine core demands. The union’s leadership has acknowledged the government’s commitment and positive steps taken during the negotiations, which led to the decision to suspend the strike.

While the strike is suspended, not completely called off, the agreement signals a renewed commitment to dialogue and a potential path to a more stable healthcare system. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has urged its members to resume duties immediately and has warned against any form of victimization for those who participated in the industrial action. The coming weeks will be critical as all parties monitor the implementation of the agreement to ensure that the promises made are fulfilled.