The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has warned that no member should be victimised for participating in the industrial action.
A circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike,” written by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, confirmed the suspension of the warning strike.
“State councils are directed to mobilise members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including intern and locum nurses, should be victimised for participating in the nationwide strike,” the circular said.
Nurses and midwives across the country began a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday to press their demands, which include an increase in shift allowance, a uniform allowance adjustment, and a separate wage structure for nurses.
The demands also include an increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the formation of a nursing department under the Federal Ministry of Health, among others.
The strike was called off on Saturday following a virtual meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council.
To address the demands of its members, the association met on Friday with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Accountant-General, the National Salaries and Wages Commission, and other relevant stakeholders.
The circular noted that the NEC opted to suspend the strike after an exhaustive study of the memorandum of understanding and the agreed-upon time-bound implementation mechanism.
The circular partly read, “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.
“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect.
“NEC has directed the national leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the signed MoU and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.
“State councils are directed to mobilise members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including intern and locum nurses, should be victimised for participating in the nationwide strike.
“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.”
