The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day nationwide warning strike, following an agreement reached with the Federal Government during a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.
The announcement was made in a circular signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, who confirmed that the strike was suspended after careful review of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, had disrupted healthcare services across the country. Nurses were protesting poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.
According to NANNM, the resolution followed a meeting on Friday between the union and top officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Office of the Head of Service, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, among others.
“NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation,” the circular stated.
The association said the strike is suspended with immediate effect, and directed all state chapters to mobilize members for immediate resumption of duty. It also warned against any victimization of members, including interns and locum nurses, who took part in the industrial action.
“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principles of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect,” the circular read.
The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the government’s compliance with the implementation timelines and urged members to stay united.
“NEC appreciates the commitment and solidarity of all members throughout this action and reiterates that NANNM remains steadfast in defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The suspension brings temporary relief to Nigeria’s already strained health sector, but NANNM warned that it will not hesitate to resume action if agreements are not honored.
