Just In: Nurses suspend strike after meeting with FG
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has officially called off its warning strike, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, had confirmed.
The decision was taken after several agreements were reached between the government and the leadership of the association.
Despite the positive outcome, union leaders opted not to speak to the media following the meeting.
The nurses and midwives began a nationwide warning strike on July 29, primarily due to unmet demands related to welfare, fair allowances, and improved working conditions in federal health institutions.
The strike had dramatic effects on public health services across the country and was initially set to continue until August 5.
Prior to the strike, the union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had voiced disappointment over the government’s lack of engagement during a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“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 had stated.
The association’s demands included an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, the implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan highlighted that the decision to initiate the strike stemmed from the pervasive frustration among members over years of neglect.
Source: PUNCH
