Nigeria’s National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called off its nationwide warning strike after four days, citing positive negotiations with federal authorities.
The strike, launched over stagnant allowances, inadequate staffing, and poor working conditions, was suspended on Saturday following a virtual meeting of the union’s National Executive Council.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, NANNM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Chidi Aligwe, said, “The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately.”
A circular jointly signed by NANNM President Haruna Mamman and General Secretary T.A. Shettima stated that the suspension followed a thorough review of a Memorandum of Understanding and the government’s proposed time-bound implementation plan.
The federal government is said to have agreed to address nine core demands, including improved uniform and shift allowances, a revised salary structure, mass recruitment, and the creation of a Department of Nursing Services.
“Given the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect,” the circular noted.
The union urged state chapters to mobilise for immediate resumption and warned against any victimisation of staff who participated in the action.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that during the strike, public hospitals in Abuja and Lagos saw outpatient services cancelled, critical cases prioritised, and patients left frustrated by reduced staffing.
NANNM affirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and professional dignity of nurses nationwide.
