JUST IN: Nurses call off strike

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike.

The decision was confirmed in a circular jointly signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima.

Nurses had embarked on the industrial action on Wednesday, citing concerns over poor wages, inadequate staffing, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions. 

The strike, which followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, severely disrupted healthcare delivery across the country.

Tribune Online reports that the development added to ongoing tensions in the health sector, with doctors also locked in a separate dispute with the government over welfare matters.

NANNM announced the suspension of the strike on Saturday following a virtual meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), which reviewed progress made after Friday’s negotiation with 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, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, and other key stakeholders.

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In the circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike,” the association said NEC reached the decision after thoroughly examining the Memorandum of Understanding and the agreed implementation timelines.

It partly reads, “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.

“In view of 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.

“NEC has directed the national leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the signed MoU and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.

“State councils are directed to mobilize members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including intern 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.”

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