Just In: Nurses suspend one-week warning strike after engagement with FG
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially called off its nationwide warning strike, which was set to last for one week.
This decision was confirmed by Assistant Secretary-General Chidi Aligwe during a virtual meeting of the NANNM’s National Executive Council.
“The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately,” Aligwe stated in a press announcement on Saturday.
The union’s decision comes a day after the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate, claimed the strike had been cancelled.
NANNM had previously expressed disappointment with the federal government, citing the lack of action on vital demands such as an increase in shift allowances and a distinct salary structure for nurses.
In a circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike,” which was signed by NANNM’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, the organization acknowledged the positive steps taken by the government.
The circular noted, “NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation.”
The National Executive Council has directed the leadership to monitor the execution of the signed Memorandum of Understanding and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines. They also instructed state councils to ensure the immediate return of all members to their duties.
“In line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect,” the circular added.
It emphasized that no member of NANNM, including interns and locum nurses, should face any form of victimization for participating in the strike.
This decision followed extensive discussions with relevant stakeholders aimed at addressing the nurses’ grievances.
Source: Vanguard newspaper
