Contrary to statements made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, that nurses across public hospitals had suspended their warning strike, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has strongly rejected the claim, asserting that the strike remains in full effect.
Addressing the matter, Omomo Tibiebi, the National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions sector (NANNM-FHI), stated unequivocally that the industrial action, which began last Wednesday, has not been called off. According to Tibiebi, the assertion made by the minister was not only premature but also misleading.
“The strike has not been suspended,” Tibiebi emphasized. “Earlier today, NANNM executives met with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and it was the minister who went to the press to claim the strike had been called off. But he wasn’t the one who called the strike in the first place, so he has no right to declare it suspended. The strike is still on.”
Tibiebi went on to clarify that a conclusive decision regarding the strike’s status would be determined after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meets. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, and the outcome will depend on the Federal Government’s response to the nurses’ demands.
“There will be a NEC meeting tomorrow (Saturday), and that’s when a decision will be made. We will then determine if what the Federal Government has promised is sufficient for us to suspend the strike,” he added.
The strike, which has entered its second week, was initiated to highlight the grievances of nurses across federal health institutions. Chief among their demands are the upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the implementation of a separate salary structure tailored specifically for nurses, and the improvement of their overall working conditions.
In addition, the union is calling for a substantial increase in core duty allowances, urgent recruitment of more nursing personnel to address workforce shortages, and the establishment of a distinct department for nursing services within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Despite the minister’s optimism about resolving the dispute, the nurses remain firm in their stance that no official conclusion has been reached. Their continued industrial action underscores growing dissatisfaction within the health sector and places further pressure on the government to meet the union’s demands in earnest.
What you should know
The warning strike declared by Nigerian nurses in federal health institutions has not been suspended, despite public claims by Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate.
According to NANNM-FHI’s spokesperson, Omomo Tibiebi, only the union’s leadership can decide on suspension, and such a decision awaits a formal review by the National Executive Council.
The nurses are demanding better shift and uniform allowances, recruitment of more personnel, a dedicated salary structure, and a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health. Until the NEC meets and evaluates government promises, the strike is expected to continue.
