JUST IN: Strike Suspended, Says FG — Nurses, Midwives’ Union Leaders Keep Mum After Meeting

The Federal Government has announced the suspension of the nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), though leaders of the union have yet to confirm the development publicly. Minister of Health, Ali Pate, made the disclosure on Friday after a closed-door meeting with NANNM officials in Abuja.

The strike, which began on July 29, 2025, had disrupted services across public health facilities and was originally scheduled to run until August 5. It was called in protest against poor working conditions and the government’s failure to respond to a 15-day ultimatum issued by the union on July 14.

NANNM had demanded improved welfare, fair allowances, a dedicated salary structure, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health. The association’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, previously expressed deep frustration with the government’s lack of engagement, stating that the strike had been driven by the collective will of members rather than a top-down directive.

Despite the government’s announcement, union leaders declined to speak with journalists following the meeting, leaving uncertainty around whether all members will comply with the suspension or if further action is still on the table.