HEALTHCARE services across Nigeria are set to resume in full swing as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day nationwide warning strike.
The suspension was confirmed in a circular signed by NANNM’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, and followed a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.
The nurses had embarked on the strike on Wednesday to press home demands related to poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.
The industrial action had paralyzed healthcare operations in many hospitals nationwide, adding pressure to a sector already grappling with other labour disputes, including ongoing tensions between medical doctors and the government.
According to the circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike,” the decision to call off the strike followed progress made during a high-level meeting with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, and other stakeholders.
“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,” the statement read.
It continued, “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.”
The union emphasized that it would be closely monitoring the implementation of the agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), warning that government compliance with the timelines would determine further union actions.
The circular directed all state councils to mobilize nurses for immediate return to duty, while also cautioning against any form of victimization of members, including intern and locum nurses, who participated in the 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,” it concluded.
