Nurses Call Off Strike

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike.

This was confirmed in a circular signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima.

On Wednesday, the nurses began a seven-day nationwide warning strike. The strike, according to NANNM’s leadership, was aimed at addressing issues including poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.

This strike came amid an existing face-off between doctors and the government over welfare and other issues.

Daily Trust reports that the strike, which followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by NANNM to the federal government, has disrupted healthcare services across Nigeria.

The strike was suspended on Saturday following a virtual meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council.

On Friday, the association held a meeting 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 of the Federation; the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSWC), as well as other key stakeholders to discuss its members’ demands.

The circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike”, stated that NEC resolved to suspend the strike after an extensively review of the Memorandum of Understanding and the agreed time-bound implementation framework.

It 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 mobilize members for the immediate resumption of duty. NEC resolved that no member of NANNM, including intern and locum nurses, should be victimized 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.”

Source:Daily Trust