Korede Abdullah in Lagos
There appears to be confusion about the Nigerian nurses nationwide strike as the association countered the declaration by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, that the warning strike by nurses has been suspended.
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions sector, on Friday denied calling off the action.
The union’s spokesperson, Omomo Tibiebi, firmly stated that the strike, which began last Wednesday, is still in progress.
“The strike has not been suspended,” he said. “It was the minister who went to the press to claim the strike had been called off, but he wasn’t the one who declared it, so he has no right to suspend it.”
Tibiebi disclosed that while NANNM executives held a meeting with the minister earlier on Friday, no formal agreement was reached to suspend the industrial action.
He emphasized that only the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) could decide on such a matter.
“There will be a NEC meeting tomorrow (Saturday), and that’s when a decision will be made. We will then determine if what the Federal Government has promised is sufficient for us to suspend the strike,” he explained.
The nurses embarked on the warning strike to demand improved welfare and working conditions, including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the establishment of a distinct salary structure for nurses, and the mass recruitment of personnel.
They are also calling for the creation of a dedicated department for nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health, and an increase in core duty allowances.
Until their demands are addressed and formally agreed upon, the union insists the strike continues.
