Nigerian nurses deny suspending nationwide strike
The Federal Health Institutions sector of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), has debunked claims that the union has suspended its ongoing nationwide strike.
Penpushing reports that National Chairman of the association Murakiyo Olajide, made the clarification following several media organisations on Friday reporting that nurses had agreed to suspend the strike following a closed-door meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.
The association boss described the reports as false, insisting that the union has not taken any decision to suspend the strike, explaining that there are procedures in place whenever the body initiate or suspend strike actions
“It is not true. We have procedures in place whenever we initiate or suspend strike actions. Those procedures have not been followed, and the union has not issued any statement to that effect,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that, Olajide, however, pointed out that although a meeting was held with government officials earlier in the day, explaining that union leaders are still consulting widely with various subgroups before a final decision is made.
The national chairman of the association emphasized that after the meeting, they are expected to go back and meet with other subgroups, and then come back to the government with a position.
Penpushing also reports that the Chairperson of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at the National Hospital, Abuja, Joe Akipi, while corroborating Olajide’s position, declared that the strike has not been suspended.
“We did not go on strike under anyone’s instruction, and we will not call it off under anyone’s instruction except from our union leaders. Whatever is being circulated is not true. We have not received any official communication from our national leadership,” she said in a voice message.
Penpushing reports that duo emphasized that the strike was still on, while it is recalled that the seven-day warning strike, which began July 29, 2025, was declared by the nurses of Federal Health Institutions Sector after the Nigerian government failed to act on a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025.
The strike, which is currently affecting public health institutions nationwide, was prompted by concerns over poor welfare, inadequate working conditions, and unresolved grievances.
Penpushing further reports that key demands include the reversal of June 27, 2025 circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), adjustment of shift and call duty allowances.
The others include mass recruitment of nurses, implementation of a 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment for nurses in Oyo State, and improved hazard allowances, especially at the local government level.
Penpushing also reports that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), strike is scheduled to last until August 5, 2025, with state chapters threatening to join if negotiations with the government fail.
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