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Cabinet officials

Nationwide Warning Strike Continues as Nurses Dispute Federal Government Claim

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has contradicted the federal government's claim that the union has called off its ongoing warning strike. Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced on Friday that the union had reached "key agreements" with the government, but failed to provide details. Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, the NANNM chairman, clarified that the strike continues as the union is yet to review the outcome of the meeting. The warning strike, which began on July 29, is expected to continue until further notice. At the core of the nurses' grievances are years of neglect, poor remuneration, lack of professional recognition, and deteriorating working conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has not suspended its nationwide warning strike, disputing the federal government's claim.
  • The union's chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, clarified that the strike continues as the union is yet to review the outcome of the meeting.
  • The union's demands include the gazetting of the Nurses' Scheme of Service, which was approved by the National Council on Establishment (NCE) in 2016.
  • The nurses are seeking the implementation of a National Industrial Court judgement from January 2012, which affirms key aspects of their professional entitlements.
  • Other demands include an upward review of professional allowances, recruitment of more nursing personnel, better-equipped health facilities, and the creation of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
  • The association is also pushing for fairer representation of nurses on health policy-making bodies, inclusion in the leadership structure of federal health institutions, and the centralisation of internship placements for graduate nurses.
  • NANNM is seeking recognition of consultancy status for qualified nurses and midwives.

Statistics:

  • The strike began on July 29, 2023.
  • The union has scheduled a general congress for Saturday to deliberate on the outcome of the discussions.
  • The Nurses' Scheme of Service was approved by the National Council on Establishment (NCE) in 2016.
  • The National Industrial Court judgement was made in January 2012.
  • The strike is expected to continue until further notice.

Sources:

  • "NANNM denies striking despite government's claim" - BusinessDay

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