The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) to suspend their ongoing warning strike, emphasizing that industrial action is not the best means of resolving disputes.
Dingyadi made the appeal after a meeting with representatives of the association on Tuesday, where efforts were made to avert the strike action. According to a statement released Wednesday by the Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour, Patience Onuoha, discussions will continue on Friday at the Ministry of Health.
Despite the government’s intervention, the union commenced its strike on Wednesday, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14. The nurses are demanding improved welfare, equitable allowances, and better working conditions for professionals in federal health institutions.
Chairman of the union, Morakinyo Rilwan, expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s failure to engage meaningfully during the window provided. “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,” he said.
The nurses’ demands include a review of shift allowances, adjustment of uniform allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, massive employment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan clarified that the strike was not imposed by the union leadership but was a collective demand of its members, driven by years of frustration and neglect. “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,” he added.
He also noted that the nursing profession has endured substandard conditions for over four decades without prior strike action. “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.
The warning strike is expected to end on August 5. However, the union has vowed to issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum in line with labour laws should the government fail to meet their demands, potentially leading to a total and indefinite strike.
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