As the nationwide strike by nurses and midwives enters its second day, the Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to reconsider their action and return to the negotiation table.
Dingyadi made the appeal following a meeting held with representatives of the association on Tuesday, as part of ongoing efforts to address their grievances.
According to a statement released by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuoha, discussions are scheduled to continue on Friday at the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Minister described the strike as an unproductive way to resolve industrial disputes, urging the union to embrace dialogue.
“Strike is not the best solution to industrial disputes,” Dingyadi said.
Despite the government’s appeal, the union proceeded with its planned seven-day warning strike, which began on Wednesday, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
Union Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, criticized the government’s failure to respond meaningfully during the notice period.
“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,” Rilwan stated.
NANNM’s demands include several critical reforms: an upward review of shift allowance, an adjustment of uniform allowance, a separate salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, large-scale recruitment, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan clarified that the strike was not a top-down decision but a collective call from the rank and file of the association.
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want,” he said.
He added that union members were unfazed by potential government sanctions such as the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, due to the meager wages they already endure.
“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. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”
Rilwan also emphasized the long-standing neglect nurses have faced, citing decades of poor working conditions.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike,” he lamented.
While the current warning strike is expected to conclude on August 5, Rilwan warned that the union would escalate the action if no meaningful response is received.
“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” he declared.
