The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has denied claims that it has called off its ongoing warning strike, saying the industrial action continues.
This statement comes after the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, told journalists on Friday that the strike had been suspended following a closed-door meeting with union leaders in Abuja.
But the union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the Minister has no power to call off the strike since he didn’t initiate it.
Rilwan said in a phone interview with Daily Trust, “If it was the Minister who organized the strike, then he could call it off. 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. There are procedures to follow, if it is to be called off at all.”
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The Minister of Health, Ali Pate, has announced that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called off its strike after reaching an agreement with the government.
The association has scheduled a general congress on Saturday to allow members to discuss the outcome of the meeting with the government and decide on their next steps.
NANNM began a seven-day nationwide warning strike on Wednesday, citing poor pay, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions. The union launched the strike after a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government expired without results.
The strike has disrupted healthcare services in many public hospitals across the country.
This protest by nurses is happening at the same time doctors are also in conflict with the government over similar issues related to welfare and working conditions.