The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has declared the commencement of a nationwide strike following a deadlocked meeting with the Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting, which was presided over by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, failed to reach a resolution on the demands raised by the association.
According to a statement signed by Chidi Aligwe on behalf of NANNM’s national headquarters, all issues brought forward by the union were critically reviewed, but no agreement was reached to address the concerns in a manner satisfactory to the nurses and midwives.
“The ministry and the Association could not come to a conclusion on how to address all the demands for the overall interest of the nurses/midwives and healthcare sector in Nigeria,” the statement read.
As a result, the strike action declared by the association will proceed as planned, beginning Tuesday night.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Budget Office, and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
However, it was adjourned with the understanding that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Minister of Health, and other key stakeholders will be present at a later date.
NANNM has called for total compliance with the strike directive, reiterating its commitment to the welfare of its members and the improvement of the country’s healthcare system.
