BREAKING: Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Call Off Strike, Health Minister Announces.
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called off its seven-day warning strike, bringing relief to patients and healthcare facilities across Nigeria, the Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, confirmed today. The decision ends days of disrupted services in federal hospitals and averts a threatened indefinite strike.
The strike, which began on 29 July 2025, followed a 15-day ultimatum issued by NANNM on 14 July, demanding better welfare, improved working conditions, and institutional reforms. Nurses and midwives had withdrawn services in federal health institutions, leaving many patients stranded and hospitals struggling to cope. The union’s demands included increased shift allowances, mass recruitment to address staffing shortages, and the creation of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Speaking in Abuja, Prof. Pate described the resolution as a “significant milestone” for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. “We’ve reached an agreement with NANNM through constructive dialogue,” he said. “Our nurses and midwives are invaluable, and we’re committed to addressing their concerns to strengthen our health system.”
While the full terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, indicated that the government had shown commitment to key demands, including a review of allowances and plans to recruit more nurses. “This is a victory for our members and the patients we serve,” Rilwan said. “We’ll continue engaging with the government to ensure promises are kept.”
The strike’s impact was keenly felt, with reports of critically ill patients being turned away from facilities like the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and families facing added financial burdens. The resolution has been welcomed by healthcare leaders and patients alike. Dr. Weriwoyingepri Silver, a medical expert, said, “This is good news. Nurses are the heart of our hospitals, and their return will restore vital care.”
The House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity had earlier appealed for the strike to be suspended, urging dialogue to prioritise national interests. The government’s willingness to negotiate, coupled with scheduled follow-up meetings, appears to have paved the way for the resolution.
As nurses and midwives resume duties, the focus now shifts to implementing the agreed reforms and addressing Nigeria’s broader healthcare challenges, including the emigration of over 42,000 nurses in recent years. With further talks set for next week, there’s cautious optimism for a more stable health sector.
