The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has officially suspended its nationwide strike action following a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, on Friday.
Professor Pate disclosed the development while addressing journalists shortly after the meeting in Abuja, noting that both parties had reached a consensus on key demands raised by the union.
“We had a fruitful discussion, and I am pleased to confirm that the strike by nurses and midwives has been called off. The government is committed to addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the association,” the Minister said.
Although representatives of NANNM declined to speak with the press after the meeting, their decision to suspend the strike suggests progress in the ongoing negotiations.
The union had embarked on a warning strike on July 29, 2025, after the Federal Government failed to respond to a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
The industrial action affected nurses and midwives in federal health institutions nationwide, disrupting healthcare delivery across the country.
At the heart of the dispute were long-standing concerns about poor remuneration, lack of adequate staffing, and unfavorable working conditions.
The union’s demands included the review of shift and uniform allowances, the establishment of a distinct salary structure for nurses, the creation of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health, and mass recruitment of qualified professionals.
Speaking earlier in the week, NANNM National President, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, emphasized that the strike was a collective decision driven by deep-rooted dissatisfaction among members.
“The frustration among our members has been building for years. We issued a 15-day ultimatum, but there was no meaningful response from the government. The strike wasn’t declared lightly; it reflects the lived reality of nurses who feel neglected and undervalued,” Rilwan had said.
Though the initial plan was to continue the warning strike until August 5, Friday’s resolution indicates a breakthrough in negotiations and a willingness from both parties to prioritize the health sector’s stability.