The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its week-long warning strike following a closed-door meeting with the Federal Government, the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Pate said the decision to call off the industrial action came after both parties reached a series of critical agreements aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the union.
“We’ve had fruitful discussions with the leadership of NANNM. They have agreed to suspend the strike and return to work immediately,” the minister stated. “The government is committed to honouring the agreements and improving the welfare of nurses and midwives across the country.”
Leaders of the union, however, declined to speak publicly after the meeting, leaving details of the agreement undisclosed for now.
NANNM had commenced the strike on July 29, 2025, citing government’s failure to meet their demands despite a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14. Their demands included payment of withheld salaries, improved working conditions, enhanced hazard and shift duty allowances, and the recruitment of more nurses to ease the burden on an overstretched workforce.
The strike disrupted services at public hospitals nationwide, with reports of patients being turned away, wards closed, and emergency units operating with minimal staff.
The government had earlier expressed concern over the impact of the strike on healthcare delivery, especially amid a wider shortage of medical personnel, and urged the union to return to the negotiating table.
With the strike now officially suspended, healthcare services are expected to gradually resume across public facilities. However, many are watching closely to see how swiftly the government fulfils its commitments to avoid a repeat of the crisis.
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