Amanze ChinonyeThe ongoing nationwide strike by Nigerian nurses has taken a dramatic turn as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) refuted claims by the federal government that the industrial action had been suspended. The union insists the strike remains in force and says its National Executive Council (NEC) will convene on Saturday to decide the next line of action.
The confusion began on Thursday when the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, told journalists in Abuja that the nurses had suspended their strike following what he described as “productive engagements” with the union’s leadership. According to the minister, key agreements were reached during a closed-door meeting, and both sides had resolved to collaborate in addressing the demands of the nurses.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut NANNM swiftly pushed back on the claim, warning that no formal decision had been made to call off the strike. In a statement issued Friday, the union said only its NEC had the authority to suspend industrial action, and that process had not yet taken place.
“We wish to state categorically that the strike has not been suspended,” the statement read. “The decision to suspend or continue the strike can only be made by our National Executive Council, which is set to meet on Saturday to deliberate on the outcome of the meeting with government officials.”
The nurses began a seven-day warning strike on July 29 after a two-week ultimatum to the government expired. Their demands include improved pay, better working conditions, enhanced staffing in public hospitals, and the reversal of controversial policies by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which they describe as repressive and counterproductive.
The strike has severely impacted public healthcare services across the country, with many state and federal hospitals operating with minimal staff. Patients have been stranded in outpatient wards, emergency units, and maternity clinics, as nurses who form the largest segment of clinical workers continue to stay off duty.
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Health sector analysts warn that the strike could exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing medical brain drain crisis, with thousands of nurses already having emigrated in recent years due to poor welfare and working conditions. According to the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), over 42,000 Nigerian nurses have left the country in the past three years alone.
While the federal government has expressed optimism about resolving the impasse, union leaders remain cautious. They emphasized that the strike will not be suspended until their members, through the NEC, review and approve any proposals discussed with the government.
“The minister’s statement was premature,” said Rilwan Olamide an official. “We are still in consultation, and our members expect transparency and inclusivity in this process. Until the NEC makes a final decision on Saturday, the strike continues.”
As the health crisis unfolds, patients and healthcare stakeholders await the outcome of Saturday’s NEC meeting, which could determine whether the warning strike will be suspended, extended, or escalate into a full-blown industrial action.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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