7-day strike suspended, nurses, midwives to resume duty immediately
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day nationwide warning strike.
The decision to suspend the strike followed a virtual emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday, during which the association reviewed recent engagements with the Federal Government.
The industrial action was initiated to press for the implementation of key demands, including upward review of shift and uniform allowances, introduction of a separate salary structure for nurses, increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nursing personnel, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
On Friday, NANNM officials met with representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and other relevant stakeholders in a bid to resolve the issues.
Confirmation of the suspension was given on Saturday by Chidi Aligwe, Assistant Secretary-General of the association, who said, “The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately”.
A circular titled “Suspension of the ongoing nationwide nurses’ strike,” by NANNM’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, formally announced the suspension.
The circular stated that the NEC resolved to suspend the strike after extensively reviewing the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the agreed timeline for implementation of key issues.
The circular reads in part: “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.
“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect.
“NEC has directed the national leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the signed MoU and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.
“State councils are directed to mobilize members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including intern and locum nurses, should be victimized for participating in the nationwide strike.
“NEC appreciates the commitment and solidarity of all members throughout this action and reiterates that NANNM remains steadfast in defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria.”
