Nigerian Nurses and Midwives to Suspend Strike, Await Government Action

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has announced that its ongoing nationwide strike will be suspended but not called off, pending tangible action from the government to address their demands. During an interview on ARISE NEWS on March 15, 2024, NANNM’s National Deputy President, Bornbless Obasi, emphasized that any decision to suspend or end the strike must be ratified by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC).

Obasi stated, “We are not calling off the strike, even if we want to after our meeting tomorrow. Rather, we will suspend it because we can resume at any time.” He explained that the agreements reached during negotiations with the Ministers of Health and Labour, as well as the Head of Service, remain contingent upon NEC approval.

The prolonged industrial action, which has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, is a result of the federal government’s failure to honour previous agreements. According to Obasi, “The problem started with their inability to implement agreements reached earlier. Last year, we suspended a planned strike after assurances from the Minister of Health, but nothing was done. The government has simply not kept its promises.”

In response to calls from the Minister of Health to end the strike, Obasi insisted that due process must be followed. He stated, “We don’t just call off strikes. We reconvene the NEC, review resolutions, and only then decide if the terms are acceptable.” This highlights the union’s commitment to ensuring that their concerns are genuinely addressed before any action is taken to return to work.

While acknowledging the plight of patients during this strike, Obasi urged Nigerians to remain patient as the union continues to push for a resolution. He also issued a warning to hospital administrators against penalizing nurses involved in the strike. “No NANNM member should be punished or denied pay for participating. We will take up any such case with the hospital management,” he cautioned.

An emergency meeting of the NEC is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024, to determine the next steps based on the latest negotiations. As the situation develops, the union remains firm in its resolve to advocate for the rights and welfare of its members while striving to ensure that health services are restored.