Strike: Labour Minister Urges Striking Nurses to Embrace Dialogue as Talks Resume Friday

By Ugbede James

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to suspend their ongoing nationwide strike, urging the union to return to the negotiation table in the interest of the healthcare system.

This appeal comes as nurses across federal health institutions commenced industrial action on Wednesday, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025. The union is pressing for improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuoha, the Minister emphasized that strike action is not the best method for resolving labour disputes. He noted that the government is committed to addressing the nurses’ demands through sustained dialogue.

According to the statement, Dingyadi met with representatives of the nurses and midwives union on Tuesday, July 29, to persuade them to shelve the strike. However, the union proceeded with the action, citing a lack of meaningful engagement from the Federal Government.

The talks are expected to continue on Friday at the Federal Ministry of Health, with government officials working towards reaching a resolution.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Chairman of NANNM–Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI), Morakinyo Rilwan, accused the government of failing to respond adequately during the two-week window provided by the ultimatum.

“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.

The union is demanding a range of improvements, including:

An upward review of shift allowances

Adjustment of uniform allowances

Implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses

Increase in core duty allowances

Mass recruitment of nurses

Creation of a dedicated Nursing Department within the Federal Ministry of Health

Rilwan stressed that the strike was driven by grassroots frustration among members, not a unilateral decision by union leaders.

“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. “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.”

He also highlighted the long history of neglect suffered by the nursing profession.

“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 added.

The warning strike is scheduled to end on August 5, 2025. However, the union warned that if the government fails to meet its demands, it will issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum, in line with labour laws, ahead of a possible indefinite strike.

“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” Rilwan cautioned.