The Federal Government has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to suspend its planned industrial action over unresolved welfare issues.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Muhammad Dingyadi, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the association.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that nurses across the country, under the umbrella of NANNM, have declared a seven-day warning strike beginning Wednesday night. The action is in protest against poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, limited resources, and staff shortages.
The nurses are demanding better welfare packages, improved recognition, and increased staffing levels, among other pressing concerns.
Dingyadi urged the association to reconsider its decision, stressing that industrial action should be a last resort.
“Strike is not the best solution to industrial disputes. We urge the association to embrace dialogue, as the government is working to address the issues raised,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health sector and ensuring the welfare of healthcare professionals.
According to NAN, the meeting between the union and government representatives is expected to continue on Friday at the Federal Ministry of Health headquarters, where further deliberations will take place in pursuit of a resolution.
