The Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and officials from the Ministry of Labour as the nationwide warning strike by nurses and midwives entered its fourth day.
The meeting is part of ongoing negotiations aimed at addressing the grievances that led to the seven-day industrial action, which commenced on July 29. The strike, affecting public health institutions across the country, is scheduled to continue until August 5, unless a resolution is reached.
NANNM had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 14, citing unresolved issues around poor working conditions, inadequate welfare packages, and government inaction on previous agreements.
“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,” said NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, ahead of the meeting.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.”
The union’s demands include:
- An upward review of shift and uniform allowances
- Implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses
- Increased core duty allowance
- Mass employment of nurses
- Establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health
Rilwan emphasized that the strike was not arbitrarily declared by union leaders but reflects widespread frustration among nursing professionals over prolonged neglect and lack of engagement from government authorities.
The outcome of Friday’s meeting remains undisclosed at press time, but sources close to the talks suggest negotiations may continue through the weekend.
