Labour Minister Urges Striking Nurses to Embrace Dialogue

Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives to suspend their ongoing strike, stating that industrial action is not the most effective way to resolve disputes.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuoha, the minister emphasized the need for constructive dialogue, assuring that the government is actively working to address the nurses’ demands.

According to the statement, the minister met with representatives of the association on Tuesday in an effort to de-escalate the situation. The dialogue is set to continue on Friday at the Ministry of Health, where further deliberations will take place toward a lasting resolution.

Despite these appeals, nurses across various federal health institutions, including the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, began a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday. Their demands include improved welfare packages, fairer allowances, and better working conditions.

The government has reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues through peaceful engagement and has urged the association to return to the negotiation table in the interest of public health and national stability.