The Minister of Health, Professor 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 part of ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the nurses’ strike.
NANNM members commenced a nationwide warning strike on July 29, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to respond to a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14. The strike, which affects public health institutions across the country, is scheduled to run until August 5, 2025.
Despite previous appeals from the government, the union proceeded with the industrial action, citing persistent concerns over poor working conditions, inadequate welfare packages, and stalled negotiations.
Among the key demands outlined by the union are:
- An upward review of shift and core duty allowances
- Adjustment of uniform allowances
- Implementation of a distinct salary structure for nurses
- Mass recruitment of nursing personnel
- Establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health
NANNM National President, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, accused the government of failing to use the window of opportunity provided before the strike.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no meaningful communication from the government. That is why the strike is ongoing and will continue as planned. Even if they call now, it’s too late to stop it. They had their chance,” Rilwan stated.
He emphasized that the decision to embark on the strike was not taken unilaterally by the union’s leadership, but was a collective response to years of neglect and frustration among nurses nationwide.
Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days as pressure mounts on both sides to avert a prolonged disruption in public healthcare services.
