The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its nationwide warning strike following progress in negotiations with the Federal Government.
The suspension was confirmed on Saturday by the association’s Assistant Secretary-General, Chidi Aligwe, who noted that nurses and midwives across the country have been directed to resume duties immediately.
NANNM had commenced a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday, pressing for key reforms including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the creation of a separate salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment into the profession, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
The decision to suspend the strike followed a virtual meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council (NEC) after a series of high-level talks on Friday with officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of Service, the Accountant General’s office, and the National Salaries and Wages Commission.
A circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike”, jointly signed by NANNM National President Haruna Mamman and General Secretary T.A. Shettima, confirmed the development. It stated that the NEC decided to suspend the strike after extensively reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding and the timeline-based implementation plan 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 statement read.
The association emphasized that no nurse, including interns or locum staff, should face any form of victimization for participating in the strike and praised members for their unity and commitment throughout the action.
NEC further assured members that the national leadership would closely monitor the government’s compliance with the agreement and continue to defend the professional and welfare interests of Nigerian nurses and midwives.