Nurses Suspend Strike, Negotiations with FG Ongoing, says Health Minister

Hussaini Kafi in Kano

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike, which began on Monday, July 29.

The decision to call off the industrial action was disclosed on Friday by the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, after a closed-door meeting with the association’s leadership in Abuja.

According to the minister, the suspension followed key agreements reached between the Federal Government and the union.

“The government is committed to addressing the demands of the nurses and midwives. The dialogue was fruitful, and the strike has been suspended,” Pate told journalists.

However, leaders of the union declined to speak to the press following the meeting.

The strike, which disrupted services in federal public hospitals across the country, was sparked by unresolved issues, including poor welfare packages, lack of fair allowances, and unfavourable working conditions in federal health institutions.

The association had earlier vowed to continue the strike until August 5 unless their concerns were addressed.

While services are expected to resume gradually in affected health facilities, observers say the latest truce may only be temporary unless the government meets its promises.