The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its warning strike following a closed-door meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Prof. Pate announced that the industrial action was called off after the federal government and the union reached key agreements on the issues raised by the nurses.
However, the leadership of the union declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting.
The nurses had embarked on a warning strike on July 29, 2025, citing the government’s failure to address critical demands outlined in a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14. The strike, which affected public health institutions nationwide, was initially scheduled to last until August 5.
The industrial action was fueled by grievances over poor working conditions, inadequate welfare packages, and what the union described as the government’s persistent reluctance to engage constructively.
Among the demands put forward by NANNM were the upward review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a separate salary structure for nurses, improved core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nursing personnel, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had previously expressed frustration over the government’s inaction during the ultimatum period, stating that the strike was a reflection of deep-seated discontent among members.
Despite the resolution, the union has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the agreement reached, leaving observers to await the government’s next steps in fulfilling its promises.