Nigeria’s nurses and midwives have suspended their week-long warning strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government, Health Minister Professor Ali Pate confirmed on Friday.
The industrial action, which began on July 29, had paralysed operations in public health institutions nationwide, following the government’s failure to address a 15-day ultimatum issued by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
After a closed-door meeting in Abuja, Pate told journalists that the strike was now over, although union leaders pointedly declined to speak with the press afterwards.
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The union had demanded sweeping reforms, including a separate salary structure for nurses, improved shift and uniform allowances, a dedicated nursing department in the Ministry of Health, and urgent mass recruitment of healthcare staff.
NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had earlier blasted the government for failing to respond to their demands in good faith, declaring: “Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.”
He also noted that the union’s actions were not unilateral, but the result of deep-seated frustrations over persistent neglect.
While the minister’s announcement signals a potential breakthrough, many healthcare workers remain wary until concrete implementation of the agreement begins.
