Strike Over: Nurses accepts FG’s terms, resumes work

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its nationwide warning strike following a virtual meeting of its National Executive Council.

The industrial action, which was initially set to end on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, was called off ahead of schedule.

NANNM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Chidi Aligwe, confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that nurses and midwives across the country have been directed to resume duty immediately.

This comes after the union initially dismissed an earlier announcement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammad Pate, that the strike had been ended. The union had earlier cited the federal government’s failure to address its key demands as the reason for the action.

The strike was prompted by several issues, including the need for an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the establishment of a distinct salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment of health workers, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

A circular confirming the suspension of the strike was signed by NANNM National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima. It noted that the Federal Government had shown good faith by addressing the union’s nine core demands and committing to a time-bound implementation plan.

“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 circular read.

The union also warned against any form of victimisation of nurses who participated in the strike, including intern and locum staff, and pledged to closely monitor the government’s adherence to the agreed Memorandum of Understanding.

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The decision to suspend the strike follows a series of meetings between NANNM leaders and officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Salaries and Wages Commission, and other stakeholders.