ABUJA, Nigeria — A fresh rift has emerged between the Federal Government and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), as the union insists that its ongoing warning strike has not been suspended—contrary to public claims by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, August 1, 2025, after a closed-door meeting, Professor Pate had announced that the nationwide industrial action by nurses had been called off following “agreements reached with the union leadership.”
However, in a direct rebuttal, NANNM National Chairman Morakinyo Rilwan told Daily Trust that the minister’s statement was inaccurate and misleading.
“If it was the Minister who organized the strike, then he could call it off,” Rilwan said.
“As far as I’m concerned, the strike organized by the association is still ongoing. The Minister didn’t organize the strike, so he doesn’t have the authority to call it off.”
He further clarified that no formal decision had been taken by the association’s organs to suspend the strike, noting that such a move would require consultation with its national executive committee and state branches.
The warning strike, which began on Wednesday, July 29, 2025, has paralysed health services in federal and state facilities across the country, leaving wards deserted and critical care suspended.
The union’s demands include:
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Upward review of shift allowances
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Resolution of staff shortages and mass recruitment of nurses
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Implementation of improved uniform and duty allowances
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Safer working environments
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Creation of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health
The strike followed a 15-day ultimatum issued on Monday, July 14, 2025, with NANNM citing years of neglect and failed negotiations as justification for the action.
This development adds to the growing labour unrest in Nigeria’s health sector, where doctors under various associations have also expressed frustration over welfare issues and are threatening similar action.
In his earlier remarks, Professor Pate had insisted that the government remained committed to improving working conditions and was “acting in good faith.”
He said significant investments were being made in infrastructure, particularly in oncology and tertiary health services, and reiterated the government’s openness to continued dialogue.
Nonetheless, the apparent breakdown in communication raises concerns about coordination and trust between the government and critical health stakeholders.
