The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has unequivocally clarified that its ongoing nationwide industrial action is merely suspended, not definitively called off, signaling a cautious approach to resolution pending concrete governmental adherence to agreed-upon demands.
This strategic decision highlights the union’s deep-seated distrust stemming from a history of unfulfilled pledges, emphasizing their prerogative to swiftly resume the strike should the authorities fail to address their grievances with the urgency and commitment required. The NANNM asserts that this suspension mechanism allows them to re-engage in industrial action at any given moment, maintaining pressure until their demands are met.
Speaking passionately during an interview on ARISE NEWS, Bornbless Obasi, the National Deputy President of NANNM, underscored the critical necessity for any decision regarding the cessation or resumption of the strike to first receive official ratification from the union’s apex body, the National Executive Council (NEC). This due process ensures democratic consensus within the union’s ranks.
Obasi explicitly stated, “We are not calling off the strike, even if we decide to after our meeting tomorrow. Rather, we will suspend it because we can resume at any time.” He reiterated that the root cause of the current impasse lies squarely with the government’s persistent inability to implement agreements previously reached with the healthcare professionals, perpetuating a cycle of disillusionment.
Highlighting a past instance of governmental non-compliance, Obasi recounted how a planned strike last year was suspended following explicit assurances from the Minister of Health, only for those promises to remain unaddressed. This recurring pattern of unkept promises by the government has eroded trust and fueled the current nationwide healthcare strike.
In response to recent appeals from the Minister of Health urging the union to terminate the strike, Obasi firmly maintained that NANNM operates under a structured framework. He insisted that the union does not arbitrarily end industrial actions but rather convenes the NEC to meticulously review resolutions and only then determines if the proposed terms are genuinely acceptable to its members, representing Nigerian nurses and midwives.
Acknowledging the undeniable strain and disruption the ongoing labor dispute places on patients and the broader public health system, Obasi appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding. He emphasized that the union’s collective action is a necessary measure to advocate for improved conditions and ensure a sustainable future for healthcare in the nation.
Furthermore, Obasi issued a stern caution to hospital administrators across the country against implementing any form of punitive measures, including sanctions or salary denials, against nurses actively participating in the legitimate strike. He unequivocally stated that the union is prepared to vigorously defend its members, promising direct intervention with hospital management in any such reported cases of victimization.
The NANNM remains steadfast in its resolve to protect the rights and welfare of its members while pushing for a definitive resolution that ensures the government honors its commitments, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare profession and preventing future disruptions to essential services provided by dedicated healthcare professionals across Nigeria.
