The Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to halt their ongoing industrial action.
Dingyadi emphasised that direct negotiation is the most effective path to resolving workplace disagreements.
The Minister encouraged the nurses’ association to engage in dialogue, assuring them that the government is actively working to address their concerns.
READ ALSO: Nurses begin seven-day warning strike
According to Patience Onuoha, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour, Dingyadi met with the association on Tuesday to avert the strike.
This initial discussion is scheduled to resume on Friday at the Ministry of Health, as the government seeks a resolution to the dispute.
Despite the Tuesday meeting, which took place as their 15-day ultimatum (issued on July 14, 2025) expired, the nursing union commenced its strike on Wednesday.
The union is advocating for improved welfare packages, equitable allowances, and enhanced working conditions for nurses across all federal healthcare facilities.
Morakinyo Rilwan, the union’s Chairman, stated yesterday that the Federal Government failed to engage meaningfully with the association during the period leading up to the strike.
“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 said.
The nurses’ demands encompass a range of issues, including an increase in shift allowances, adjustments to uniform allowances, and the creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses.
Others are higher core duty allowances, a significant increase in nursing staff recruitment, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan underscored that the decision to strike was not a top-down directive from the union’s leadership but rather stemmed from deep-seated frustration among its members due to prolonged neglect.
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want,” he explained.
He also noted the members’ resolve regarding potential financial repercussions.
“They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready—because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”
He further highlighted the enduring challenges faced by the profession.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike,” he recounted.
The union has indicated that the current warning strike is slated to conclude on August 5.
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However, NANNM-FHI warned that if the government does not provide a satisfactory response by then, they will issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum, in compliance with labour regulations, potentially leading to an indefinite strike.
“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” Rilwan cautioned.
