The National Association of Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector has vowed to continue its strike until critical parts of its demands are addressed, defying government appeals to resume work while negotiations continue.
The union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, following a meeting held with the Minister of Labour after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
Despite the talks, the union proceeded with its planned industrial action on Wednesday, signaling dissatisfaction with the government’s response so far.
Rilwan said the union would not be swayed by any request to call off the strike pending government review of their grievances.
“That is what the government will definitely ask for — that we should suspend the strike so they can look at our demands,” he said. “We are not comfortable with that. We have to make sure that parts of the demand are attended to before we can suspend the strike at all.”
He added that the union had given the government ample time to act, including a 7-day warning strike, but their concerns remained unaddressed.
The strike has disrupted operations across federal health institutions nationwide, with patients and services severely impacted. More updates are expected as negotiations continue.
