The Federal Government has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to suspend its planned industrial action, pledging to address their concerns through dialogue.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, made the plea during a meeting with the union’s leadership on Tuesday, urging them to reconsider their stance.
“A strike is not the best solution to industrial disputes,” Dingyadi said, emphasising the government’s commitment to resolving the issues raised by the nurses and midwives. “We implore you to step back from your planned action and allow room for further discussions while we work on addressing your grievances.”
The minister assured the union that their demands were being taken seriously, adding that another round of talks had been scheduled for Friday at the Ministry of Health to finalise a resolution. “Dialogue remains the most effective way to achieve lasting solutions,” he stated.
NANNM had threatened to down tools over unresolved welfare and working condition disputes, but the government’s intervention appears to have temporarily eased tensions.
While the union has yet to officially call off the strike, the minister’s appeal signals a willingness to avert further disruption in the health sector.
Patience Onuobia, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour, confirmed the ongoing negotiations, stating that “the government is determined to find a mutually acceptable outcome.”
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