The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) – Federal Health Institutions Sector – has refuted claims that it has called off its ongoing seven-day nationwide warning strike.
This clarification followed a negotiation meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025, between the union and senior government officials. Those present at the meeting included the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate; the Minister of Labour and Employment; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; representatives from the National Industrial Salaries and Wages Commission; and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
In a statement signed by Ofere Oluwatonyin, Deputy General Secretary and Head of Organisation and Professional Service, on behalf of the General Secretary, the association emphasized that no final decision has been taken yet.
“Following the outcome of the negotiation meeting held today, 1st August 2025… the National Secretariat wishes to inform all NANNM Members that a final decision will not be made until the outcome of the meeting is reviewed and ratified by the National Executive Council (NEC) in an emergency meeting scheduled to hold on Saturday 2nd August 2025 Via Zoom,” the statement read.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to democratic engagement and the interests of its members, stating, “NANNM is committed to transparency, due process and protecting our collective welfare.”
The Health Minister Ali Pate told reporters after the meeting that the strike had been suspended based on agreements reached between both parties.
The nurses began the warning strike on Monday, July 29, 2025, to push for a number of unresolved demands. These include a separate salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, upward review of shift allowance, adjustment of uniform allowance, massive recruitment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
The strike has severely disrupted healthcare services at federal health institutions across the country since it commenced.
