THE National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), on Saturday, August 2, suspended its nationwide warning strike after reaching a formal agreement with the federal government on the union’s key demands.
This was contained in a circular issued by NANNM’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, titled ‘Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike.’
The union said its National Executive Council (NEC) decided to end the strike following an extensive review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a clear, time-bound implementation framework agreed upon with the government.
“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 circular stated.
“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,” it added.
The NEC also directed the national leadership to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines while calling on state councils to mobilise nurses and midwives to resume duties immediately.
It further warned that no member, including interns and locum staff, should face reprisals for participating in the strike.
“State councils are directed to mobilize members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including interns and locum nurses, should be victimized for participating in the nationwide strike.
“NEC appreciates the commitment and solidarity of all members throughout this action and reiterates that NANNM remains steadfast in defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The development followed a closed-door meeting held in Abuja on Friday, August 1, between the union’s leadership and the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, who had earlier announced the suspension of the strike before the union officially confirmed it.
At the time, a branch chairman who attended the meeting told The ICIR that the strike had not been suspended, noting that union protocol required consultations with members before any decision could be finalised.
Despite initial scepticism, the NEC later resolved to suspend the strike following confirmation of the government’s written commitments to meet the nurses’ demands.
The ICIR reported that the union’s demands include gazetting the scheme of service for nurses, upward review of allowances, introduction of speciality allowances for specialist nurses, improved remuneration, recruitment of more nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated department for nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M