The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day warning strike, four days after the nationwide industrial action commenced.
Assistant Secretary-General of NANNM, Chidi Aligwe, confirmed the suspension on Saturday in a statement to Saturday Punch. The strike, which began earlier in the week, had disrupted services across several public health institutions, sparking concerns over healthcare delivery nationwide.
The union had embarked on the strike to press home its demands, which included an upward review of shift allowances, adjustment of uniform allowance, the creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
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Confirming the development, the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, on Friday announced that the strike had been called off following a closed-door meeting with union leaders in Abuja.
“The striking nurses decided to call off the strike after extensive deliberations and agreements on critical concerns raised by the association,” the minister said.
He assured that the Federal Government remains committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare professionals and noted that steps would be taken to implement the agreed terms in phases.
Union leaders also emphasized their intention to maintain ongoing dialogue with the government to ensure the full implementation of all agreements reached.