The strike embarked upon by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has been called off, the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, has announced.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, August 1, after a closed-door meeting with union representatives, Pate confirmed that the strike was suspended following agreements reached between the union and the Federal Government.

“The industrial action has been suspended,” he said.

However, union leaders remained tight-lipped when journalists sought their reaction to the minister’s statement after the meeting.

The Accurate Reporters recall that the warning strike which began on July 29, was called by the unions to pressure the federal government to accede their demands after a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.

The strike affected public health institutions across the country and was initially expected to last until August 5.

The nurses and midwives’ demands included: Upward review of shift allowances, adjustment of uniform allowance, implementation of a dedicated salary structure for nurses, Increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses and creation of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Earlier, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had blamed the Federal Government for failing to engage in meaningful negotiations during the window.

“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government. That is why we said the strike would go on,” Rilwan had said.