The National
Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has clarified that its
nationwide warning strike is still ongoing, despite claims by the federal
government that it has been suspended.
Following a closed-door
meeting in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare,
Professor Ali Pate, announced that the nurses’ union had agreed to call off the
strike after reaching a resolution with government representatives.
However, speaking to Daily Trust, NANNM’s National Chairman,
Morakinyo Rilwan, refuted the claim, stating that the decision to end the
strike lies solely with the association.
“The strike was not
initiated by the Minister, so he cannot announce its suspension. As far as we
are concerned, it is still ongoing. There are proper procedures to follow
before such a decision can be made,” Rilwan said.
He added that a general
congress of the union is scheduled for Saturday, during which members will review
the outcome of the meeting with government officials and decide on the next
steps.
The strike, which began
on Wednesday, is set to last seven days. It was launched to protest issues such
as poor pay, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.
The nurses’ action comes amid broader tensions in
the health sector, including an ongoing dispute between doctors and the federal
government over welfare and work-related matters. The NANNM strike follows the
expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the government and has led to
service disruptions in healthcare facilities across the country.
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