Minister Begs Nurses, Midwives to Suspend Nationwide Strike

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has called on the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to suspend their ongoing nationwide warning strike.

This appeal came during a critical meeting with the leadership of the association on Wednesday in Abuja, as the industrial action continues to disrupt health services across the country.

Dingyadi, in his address, emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the pressing issues that led to the strike. While acknowledging the legitimate grievances raised by the nurses and midwives, the minister expressed concern about the adverse effects of the strike on essential healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“The ongoing strike is not the best solution to resolve industrial disputes, especially in the health sector,” Dingyadi said. “The strike only exacerbates the challenges within our healthcare system and affects the most vulnerable in society who rely on timely medical assistance.”

The strike, which started as a warning measure, has seen widespread participation from nurses and midwives in hospitals and clinics across the nation. Key demands from the union include improved working conditions, better wages, and an overall upgrade in healthcare infrastructure.

While negotiations are ongoing between the government and NANNM, Dingyadi urged the association’s leadership to prioritize dialogue and remain open to further discussions. “We are committed to addressing your concerns, and I urge you to allow space for continued engagement,” he said.

The minister’s appeal highlights the urgency of resolving the conflict, with the looming risk of a prolonged industrial action potentially worsening the already strained healthcare system.

Nigeria’s health sector has long been plagued by insufficient funding, poor infrastructure, and underpaid health professionals. Nurses and midwives, who make up a substantial portion of the workforce, have continuously raised concerns about their work conditions and the increasing burden of their roles.

The warning strike, which began earlier this week, is a clear signal of their frustration, as health professionals express discontent over unpaid salaries, lack of protective equipment, and insufficient training opportunities.

Despite the ongoing strike, some health services, particularly emergency care, have been maintained through limited staff and volunteer efforts. However, routine medical services, including antenatal care and outpatient services, have been severely affected in numerous public health institutions across the country.

In response to the strike, the government has initiated a series of negotiations with NANNM to address the concerns raised by the workers.

The Labour Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving working conditions within the healthcare sector and ensuring that appropriate policies are put in place to prevent further industrial actions in the future.

“We understand the importance of the healthcare workforce in ensuring the well-being of the Nigerian people. We are committed to resolving these issues through dialogue, and we believe that a lasting solution can be found,” Dingyadi affirmed.

While there are no concrete promises yet on salary adjustments or the other demands, Dingyadi urged the nurses and midwives to trust in the ongoing talks and suspend the strike in the interim to allow for further deliberations.

The government’s plea comes at a time when healthcare access in Nigeria is already under immense strain due to other ongoing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering effects and increased healthcare demands.

Public opinion has been divided over the strike, with some expressing solidarity with the health workers, citing their crucial role and the need for better working conditions, while others lament the disruption of essential services.

The government, on the other hand, has faced criticism for not taking adequate steps to address the grievances of health workers over the years.

The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will have significant implications not just for healthcare workers, but for the millions of Nigerians who depend on the public healthcare system.