The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike following a resolution reached with the federal government. The suspension was confirmed in a circular signed by NANNM’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima.
The seven-day strike, which began on July 29, 2025, was triggered by long-standing grievances including poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, staff shortages, lack of professional recognition, and deteriorating working conditions. The industrial action, which followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the federal government, significantly disrupted healthcare services across Nigeria. It also came amid a broader crisis in the health sector, with doctors similarly at loggerheads with the government over welfare issues.
In a virtual emergency meeting held on Saturday, the National Executive Council (NEC) of NANNM reviewed the outcome of negotiations with key government stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of Service, and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
The union presented nine core demands, notably the gazetting of the Nurses’ Scheme of Service approved by the National Council on Establishment since 2016, enforcement of a 2012 National Industrial Court judgment, review of professional allowances, recruitment of more nursing staff, and the creation of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health. They also called for centralized internship placements, consultancy status for qualified nurses, and greater inclusion in health policy-making.
According to the circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike”, the NEC acknowledged the government’s commitment to addressing their demands through a time-bound Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In light of this, the strike was suspended with immediate effect.
The NEC directed all state councils to mobilize members for immediate resumption of duty, warning against any form of victimization of participating nurses. It also pledged to closely monitor the implementation of the MoU while reaffirming NANNM’s unwavering commitment to defending the welfare and professional rights of nurses and midwives across Nigeria.
Sources
