By John Umeh
Amid growing confusion over the status of the ongoing industrial action, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has publicly denied reports suggesting that the nationwide strike has been called off. The association firmly stated that the industrial action remains in full force until their core demands are adequately addressed by the federal government.
The clarification comes after speculations surfaced on various media platforms implying that the strike had been suspended following alleged negotiations with government representatives. However, NANNM dismissed such claims as false, warning the public and its members to disregard any unofficial communication not directly issued by the union’s national secretariat.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the union reiterated that nurses across Nigeria are still on strike, protesting poor remuneration, harsh working conditions, non-payment of backlog allowances, and the federal government’s failure to implement previously agreed-upon welfare policies. The association also lamented the acute shortage of nurses in the country, which has led to burnout and compromised patient care in public hospitals.
“We wish to categorically state that the strike action embarked upon by our members is still ongoing,” the union said. “No agreement has been reached with the government to warrant a suspension, and no directive has been issued by the national body to return to work.”
Hospitals and medical facilities nationwide continue to grapple with service disruptions, as striking nurses remain off duty. Emergency services have been particularly hard hit, with reports of patients left unattended in several federal and state-owned health institutions.
The association urged its members to remain resolute and united, while it continues to engage with the appropriate authorities for a meaningful resolution. It also cautioned against internal sabotage and misinformation, warning that any nurse found flouting the union’s directive may face disciplinary action.
As pressure mounts on the federal government to intervene decisively, Nigerians are left anxiously hoping for a swift and fair resolution that will see nurses return to their duties and restore normalcy to the healthcare system.
