The Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, on Friday, held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and representatives from the Ministry of Labour, as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by nurses across the country.
The meeting was convened as part of continued negotiations involving the association and both ministries, following a warning strike that began on July 29, 2025. The strike was prompted by what the union described as the federal government’s failure to provide a substantive response to a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025.
The walkout, which affects nurses and midwives in public health facilities nationwide, is expected to continue until August 5, 2025, unless a resolution is reached. At the heart of the protest are longstanding issues related to inadequate welfare, substandard working conditions, and what the association views as a lack of genuine commitment by the government to address the needs of healthcare workers.
The union has presented a comprehensive list of demands, including an upward review of shift allowances, an increase in uniform allowance, the creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses, higher core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses into the healthcare system, and the establishment of a standalone nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Speaking on the impasse, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, expressed deep frustration over what he termed as the government’s continued silence during the negotiation window provided by the ultimatum.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it. Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan stated firmly.
Rilwan emphasized that the decision to strike was not imposed from the top but was the outcome of widespread discontent among union members who feel neglected and overburdened. He noted that the association exhausted all avenues of dialogue before resorting to industrial action, hoping that the current talks might yield meaningful results.
The Ministry of Health has not yet released an official statement regarding the outcome of Friday’s discussions, but sources suggest negotiations are ongoing in a bid to avert a full-scale breakdown of services in federal health institutions.
What You Should Know
The current strike by Nigeria’s nurses and midwives marks a significant flashpoint in the nation’s healthcare system, reflecting deep-rooted grievances over poor remuneration and deteriorating workplace conditions.
The demands being made by the union go beyond immediate financial relief — they call for systemic changes that acknowledge the critical role nurses play in public health delivery. As the strike enters its final days, all eyes remain on the federal government’s willingness to respond with urgency and sincerity.
The resolution of this crisis could shape the future of nursing in Nigeria, either restoring morale or deepening the ongoing talent exodus in the sector.
