Nigerian nurses give update on ongoing strike

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has debunked claims by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, that the ongoing nationwide strike by nurses has been suspended.

In a statement on Friday, NANNM’s National PRO, Omomo Tibiebi, clarified that the strike, which began on Wednesday, is still in effect.

“Our members are still on strike,” Tibiebi stated. “Though we met with the minister earlier today, he cannot declare the strike suspended — only our National Executive Council can do that.”

He added that the NEC is scheduled to meet on Saturday to consider the government’s response to their demands and decide on the way forward.

The nurses are demanding improved shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure, increased core duty allowance, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Ministry of Health. They are also calling for urgent recruitment to fill workforce gaps in federal health facilities.

The ongoing strike has disrupted services in government hospitals across the country.