Health Minister Announces End to Nurses' Strike

Health Minister Announces End to Nurses' Strike

Nurses' Strike Called Off After Government Agreements, Union Remains Silent

In a surprising turn of events, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has reportedly called off its strike action, according to Health Minister Ali Pate. However, union leaders have remained tight-lipped about the outcome of their closed-door meeting with the minister, creating an apparent discrepancy between the government’s statement and the union’s public stance.

The strike, which began on July 29, 2025, was a warning action triggered by unresolved demands including improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses in federal health institutions. The strike was a response to the federal government’s failure to address these concerns.

According to Minister Pate, negotiations and agreements addressing these issues led to the call-off of the strike. However, NANNM officials declined to comment after the meeting, leaving some ambiguity about the completeness of the resolution and whether all demands were met.

The key agreements likely involved commitments to improve nurses' welfare and working conditions. Other demands by NANNM included the appointment of nurses to the boards of federal and state health institutions, the centralisation of internship for nursing graduates, the creation of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health, the gazetting of the nursing scheme of service approved since 2016, and the review of provisional allowances for nurses and midwives.

Moreover, NANNM emphasised the urgent need for more nurses due to severe staffing shortages. The union also highlighted the importance of implementing policy papers and enforcing court judgments.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the union will confirm the call-off of the strike and provide more details about the agreements reached. The government, on the other hand, will need to ensure that these agreements are fulfilled to prevent further unrest among healthcare professionals and maintain the quality of care provided to patients.

[1] The Guardian [2] Punch [3] Vanguard [4] Daily Trust [5] NAN

1. The nurses' strike in Nigeria, led by NANNM, was called off, as per Health Minister Ali Pate.
2. The strike, which started in July 2025, was a widespread action due to unresolved demands.
3. The unions' concerns included improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses.
4. The strike was in response to the government's failure to address these concerns effectively.
5. Minister Pate claimed that negotiations led to the call-off of the strike, but union leaders remain silent.
6. The key agreements likely involve commitments to improve health and workplace wellness for nurses.
7. Other demands included the appointment of nurses to health institution boards and the centralization of nursing internships.
8. The union also demanded the creation of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health.
9. The gazetting of the nursing scheme of service approved since 2016 was another demand.
10. Reviews of provisional allowances for nurses and midwives were also part of the unions' demands.
11. NANNM emphasized the urgent need for more nurses due to severe staffing shortages in healthcare institutions.
12. The union also highlighted the importance of implementing policy papers and enforcing court judgments.
13. The media outlets The Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, Daily Trust, and NAN have reported on the strike and its results.
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