The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its ongoing warning strike following a meeting with federal government officials, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, announced on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door session in Abuja, Pate said the decision came after “productive deliberations” and agreements were reached with the union’s leadership.
He, however, did not provide specific details of the resolutions.
Leaders of the association declined to speak with the press after the meeting.
The strike, which began on July 29, disrupted services at public health facilities across the country and was scheduled to last until August 5. Nurses and midwives under the association had embarked on the industrial action over longstanding demands, including improved welfare packages, fair allowances, and better working conditions in federal health institutions.
Earlier, NANNM National Chairman, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, had criticized the Federal Government for failing to engage the union during the 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment.
That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” Rilwan had said days before the walkout began.
Among the union’s key demands are an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan also cited deep-rooted frustration and years of neglect as reasons behind the industrial action, which he said reflected the growing discontent among healthcare professionals nationwide.
While the strike has been suspended, the union is yet to issue a formal statement confirming the terms of the agreement or outlining the next steps.