Pat Stevens/
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), federal sector, has suspended its week-long nationwide warning strike, which began on Tuesday.
The suspension follows renewed engagement by the federal government and assurances that key concerns raised by the union will be addressed.
The strike, which had paralysed services in federal health institutions across the country, was called to demand improved working conditions, full implementation of the revised nurses’ scheme of service, enhanced allowances, and prompt promotions.
Nurses also sought the establishment of a separate department for nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health and compliance with a 2012 National Industrial Court judgment in their favour.
At the height of the strike, hospitals like the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan and other federal medical centres were operating without nurses, resulting in disruptions to patient care.
The situation prompted intervention from top government officials, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
Pate assured the nurses that the controversial circular, which partly triggered the strike, had been withdrawn and that efforts were ongoing to resolve other outstanding issues.
The House of Representatives also weighed in, appealing to the nurses to suspend their industrial action in the interest of public health and national stability.
In a statement announcing the suspension, the union said the decision was made after reviewing the government’s response and willingness to continue discussions.
NANNM, however, emphasised that the strike was only suspended, not called off entirely, warning that they could resume action if meaningful progress is not made in the coming weeks.
The association urged the federal government to honour its commitments and act promptly to avoid further disruptions in the healthcare sector.
0
