Nurses’ Union Insists Nationwide Strike Is Still Ongoing Despite Meeting With Minister

National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has refuted claims that its nationwide strike has been suspended following a meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate.

Gatekeepers News reports that although the minister had announced that an agreement had been reached and suggested that the strike had been called off, NANNM leadership maintained that the industrial action remains in effect.

The union clarified that only an official communication from the association can end the strike, adding that its National Executive Council would meet tomorrow (Saturday) to review the Federal Government’s promises and determine the next line of action.

NANNM began a warning strike on July 29 after the federal government allegedly failed to meet its demands, despite a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.

Key demands include the formal adoption of the nurses’ scheme of service approved in 2016, implementation of a court ruling from 2012, better professional allowances, more employment of nurses, improved healthcare facilities, and broader representation in policymaking and administration within the health sector.

The union also criticised a recent government circular on reviewed health workers’ allowances, calling it inadequate and unfair to nurses.