The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has dismissed claims by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, that the union’s ongoing warning strike has been called off.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja after a closed-door meeting on Friday, Professor Pate claimed that an agreement had been reached with NANNM leadership, leading to the end of the strike.
However, NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, swiftly countered the minister’s statement, clarifying that the strike remains in full effect.
“If it was the Minister who organized the strike, then he could call it off,” Rilwan told Daily Trust. “As far as I’m concerned, the strike organized by the association is still ongoing. The Minister didn’t organize the strike, so he doesn’t have the authority to call it off.”
He further emphasized that the union has its own formal procedures for ending any industrial action — procedures that have not yet been followed.
Why Nurses Are on Strike
The seven-day nationwide warning strike, which began on Wednesday, was declared in protest over:
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Poor remuneration
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Critical staff shortages
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Unpaid allowances
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Unsafe working conditions
According to NANNM, the warning strike came after the federal government failed to act on a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued by the union.
Impact on Healthcare Services
Since the strike began, healthcare delivery has been disrupted in hospitals and medical facilities across Nigeria, further straining an already burdened health sector.
The nurses’ action comes amidst an ongoing face-off between doctors and the federal government over similar welfare-related issues, highlighting a growing crisis in the Nigerian healthcare system.
As of now, NANNM maintains that the strike will continue until their demands are addressed through proper dialogue and formal procedures.