Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives to call off their ongoing strike, stressing that industrial action should be a last resort and not the primary tool for resolving disputes.
Dingyadi made the appeal following a meeting with the union’s leadership on Tuesday, as part of efforts to address their grievances and avert a prolonged disruption in the healthcare sector.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuoha, the Minister reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. He emphasized that discussions would resume on Friday at the Ministry of Health as part of ongoing negotiations.
Despite the Tuesday meeting, the nurses’ union proceeded with its planned strike on Wednesday, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum initially issued on July 14, 2025.
The union is demanding better remuneration, equitable allowances, and improved working conditions across federal health institutions.
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Union chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, criticized the government’s handling of the matter, saying authorities failed to make meaningful efforts to resolve the issues during the negotiation window.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it. Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan noted.
The nurses’ demands include the upward review of shift allowance, adjustment of uniform allowance, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan stressed that the decision to strike was not unilaterally taken by the union’s leadership, but driven by a groundswell of frustration among members over long-standing neglect.
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want,” he stated.
“They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready—because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”
He also noted that the profession had endured poor conditions for decades.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike,” he said.
According to the union, the warning strike is scheduled to end on 5 August. However, should the government remain unresponsive, NANNM-FHI said it would serve a fresh 21-day ultimatum, in line with labour laws, ahead of a possible indefinite strike.
“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” Rilwan warned.
