Nurses’ Strike Continues as Union Awaits Outcome of Saturday Meeting

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) says its ongoing nationwide warning strike has not been suspended, contrary to some reports.

Speaking with the press, the union’s National PRO, Omomo Tibiebi, stated that the strike, which began on Wednesday, remains in force. He explained that while the union met with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, on Friday, no agreement has been reached yet to halt industrial action.

“The minister may have made statements to the press but he didn’t declare the strike, so he can’t call it off,” Tibiebi said.

The union’s National Executive Council is expected to meet today (Saturday) to evaluate the promises made by the government and decide whether or not to suspend the strike.

Nurses are demanding improved welfare packages, including increased shift and core duty allowances, revised uniform stipends, a separate salary structure, mass recruitment, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, hospitals across the country continue to grapple with the effects of the strike. With fewer nurses available, many patients have been discharged, wards sit empty, and several departments are either running limited services or have completely shut down.