The Minister of Health Ali Pate announced Friday that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has called off its warning strike.
Speaking to press following a closed-door meeting in Abuja, Pate stated that the decision was based on agreements struck between the government and the leadership of the union.
However, union leaders declined to speak with the press following the meeting.
The association’s nurses and midwives began a statewide warning strike on July 29 due to unmet demands, such as enhanced welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions in federal health institutions.
The strike, which affected public health institutions around the country, was set to extend until August 5.
Morakinyo Rilwan, the union’s National Chairman, had accused the Federal Government of neglecting to communicate with the association during the 15-day ultimatum set on July 14.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. 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,” Rilwan had said.
The union is calling for an increase in shift and uniform allowances, the implementation of a distinct wage structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, widespread nurse hiring, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan had also stated that the decision to go on strike was motivated by widespread dissatisfaction among members following years of neglect.
