In a major relief for Nigeria’s healthcare system, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its nationwide strike, bringing a week-long industrial action to an end after a breakthrough agreement with the federal government.
The strike, which began on July 30, 2025, had paralyzed operations in major public hospitals across the country, with patients turned away and non-emergency procedures postponed. The nurses were demanding improved welfare, full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), and the reversal of what they called unfair employment practices.
But in the early hours of Friday, August 2, federal health officials led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NANNM leadership.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the MoU outlines clear timelines for meeting the nurses’ key demands, including better remuneration, staffing levels, and a stop to what the union described as “victimization of frontline workers.” Crucially, the government pledged not to penalize any nurse or official for participating in the strike.
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“We have reached a mutual understanding with the government, and we expect that the agreed steps will be implemented without delay,” said NANNM President, Michael Nnachi, at a press briefing in Abuja.
The suspension of the strike is already restoring normalcy to public hospitals, with nurses across Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano reporting back to duty Friday afternoon.
Healthcare analysts say the agreement is a temporary win for Nigerian nurses, but warn that future disruptions are possible if the government fails to deliver on its promises.
Patient care resumes: Thousands of Nigerians can now access critical health services again.
Precedent set: The government’s no-victimization clause could empower other health sector unions.
Political implications: The quick resolution comes amid increased public scrutiny of the Tinubu administration’s handling of labour unrest.
The coming weeks will be crucial. NANNM has vowed to monitor compliance closely, and any breach of agreement could trigger another round of industrial action. For now, though, hospitals are back online—and patients, families, and medical staff across the country are breathing a sigh of relief.
