The industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially been suspended, according to the Minister of Health, Ali Pate.
Speaking to reporters after a closed-door session held on Friday, the health minister revealed that the suspension of the strike came after “agreements were reached” between the government and the leadership of the nursing association.
Despite the breakthrough, union leaders present at the meeting declined to comment publicly following the high-level discussions that took place on Friday afternoon.
Members of the association, made up of nurses and midwives across Nigeria, had commenced a nationwide warning strike on July 29, 2025. The move followed the Federal Government’s alleged lack of action on a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued by the union on July 14, 2025.
The strike, which affected nurses operating in public healthcare institutions across the country, had been initially scheduled to run until August 5, 2025.
Rooted in years of grievances, the industrial action highlighted unresolved issues surrounding the poor treatment of nurses, ranging from inadequate welfare packages to unaddressed working conditions, which the government was accused of failing to resolve.
The NANNM had earlier called on the Federal Government to provide better welfare packages, fairer allowances, and improved workplace conditions for nurses operating within federal health institutions.
The National Chairman of the union, Morakinyo Rilwan, had publicly criticized the Federal Government for its silence during the 15-day period given for engagement.
“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,” Rilwan had declared.
He further added, “Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.”
Among the key demands raised by the union were a revision of the existing shift allowance, a review of uniform allowances, and the establishment of a distinct salary structure specifically for nurses. Additional demands included an increase in core duty allowance, the recruitment of more nurses, and the creation of a standalone nursing department under the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan had emphasized that the decision to initiate industrial action was not taken solely by the leadership but was a reflection of widespread frustration among members over what they viewed as years of systemic neglect and underappreciation.
What You Should Know
The strike launched by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives drew national attention to the longstanding neglect of Nigeria’s nursing workforce.
Though now suspended following behind-the-scenes negotiations, the nurses’ demands—ranging from better allowances to structural reforms—signal that the healthcare sector remains a pressure point in the country’s labor landscape.
