By Prosper Mene
The House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity has called on the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to halt their ongoing seven-day nationwide strike, acknowledging its severe impact on healthcare delivery across the country. The appeal comes as the strike, which began on July 29, continues to disrupt medical services, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overwhelmed.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Committee Chairman Asiwaju (Dr.) Adegboyega Adefarati acknowledged the critical role of nurses and midwives in Nigeria’s healthcare system but emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the crisis. “At this critical period of our nation’s economic transformation, it is imperative that we prioritize the collective interests of all Nigerians,” Adefarati said, urging the union to consider the broader national interest.
The strike, initiated by NANNM following a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demands improved welfare, fair allowances, increased recruitment, and better working conditions. The union’s grievances also include the government’s failure to implement a 2012 National Industrial Arbitration Court judgment and to gazette the nurses’ scheme of service approved in 2016.
Adefarati expressed empathy for the nurses’ concerns, noting, “The House Committee deeply empathizes with Nigerian nurses and midwives over their service concerns and acknowledges their vital roles in safeguarding the health and well-being of our citizens.” He confirmed that the Ministers of Labour and Health are actively engaging with NANNM leadership to address the issues and urged the union to suspend the strike to allow for constructive negotiations.
The Kwara State Council of NANNM has also joined the strike, amplifying the national body’s demands while raising local issues such as career progression and allowances for nurses in underserved areas. The state chapter commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for a recent 25% salary increase but stressed that unresolved challenges persist.
The House Committee remains optimistic that a balanced solution can be reached, one that addresses the nurses’ demands while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services. Adefarati concluded, “We appeal to the leadership of the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives to show leadership and patriotism by suspending the strike as we work together to restore full healthcare services for our citizens.”
While negotiations continue, Nigerians await a resolution to the standoff, hoping for a swift return to normalcy in the nation’s healthcare system.
