Raphael Kanu
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its nationwide warning strike, just four days after the industrial action began.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Assistant Secretary-General of the association, Chidi Aligwe, following a virtual meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC). Nurses and midwives across the country have been directed to resume duties immediately.
The strike, which commenced on Wednesday, was in protest of several unresolved demands. These included the upward review of shift and uniform allowances, implementation of a dedicated salary structure, an increase in core duty allowances, the mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
On Friday, NANNM leadership met with key government bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of Service, the Office of the Accountant General, and the National Salaries and Wages Commission. These engagements resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a time-bound implementation framework for the union’s demands.
A circular signed by NANNM’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, confirmed the strike’s suspension and emphasized the union’s commitment to monitoring the government’s compliance with the agreed terms.
“NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation,” the statement read.
“In line with the principles of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect,” it continued.
The union also assured its members that no nurse—including interns and locum staff—would face disciplinary action for participating in the strike.
The statement concluded with appreciation for the solidarity shown by members during the industrial action, reiterating NANNM’s resolve to defend the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of Nigerian nurses and midwives.