The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to suspend their ongoing seven-day warning strike, urging the union to return to the negotiation table as discussions continue.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi that industrial action is not the best solution to labour disputes, especially in the healthcare sector. He urged the association to embrace dialogue while the government works towards resolving their grievances.
A statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Patience Onuoha, noted that Dingyadi had met with representatives of the union on Tuesday in an attempt to halt the planned action. It added that negotiations are expected to continue on Friday at the Federal Ministry of Health.
Despite the meeting, members of NANNM proceeded with the strike on Wednesday, citing a lack of meaningful engagement from the government during the 15-day ultimatum which expired on July 29.
Speaking on the development, the union’s Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the strike had become inevitable due to prolonged neglect and silence from the government.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment,” Rilwan said. “That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it. Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.”
Among the union’s key demands are the upward review of shift allowances, adjustment of uniform allowances, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan emphasized that the strike was not solely initiated by the union leadership, but stemmed from overwhelming dissatisfaction among members over long-standing poor working conditions and unmet promises.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and we have not gone on strike during that time,” he stated. “This strike is what the members want. They are not even afraid of ‘no work, no pay’ because the current salary isn’t even sufficient.”
The warning strike is scheduled to end on August 5. However, Rilwan warned that if no substantial response is received from the government by then, the union would issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum, in line with labour laws, before embarking on a total and indefinite strike.
