Nurses Suspend Nationwide Strike as Doctors Threaten Fresh Industrial Action August 17

• Nurses call off strike after MoU with FG on 9 core demands

• NMA issues 21-day ultimatum, threatens indefinite doctors’ strike

• Health sector remains in crisis over unresolved wage, welfare issues

Nigeria’s healthcare sector remains on edge as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike, even as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned of an indefinite strike starting August 17.

In a circular issued after an emergency NEC meeting on August 2, NANNM directed its members to resume work immediately, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the federal government. The agreement included clear timelines to address nine major demands, such as:

Enforcement of a 2012 court judgment

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Upward review of allowances

Recruitment of more nurses

Creation of a Department of Nursing

Recognition of consultancy status for senior professionals

Inclusion in policy and governance structures

The MoU followed a high-level meeting involving the Ministers of Health and Labour — Muhammad Ali Pate and Maigari Dingyadi — and other stakeholders.

While nurses are back to work, doctors may soon down tools. The NMA has issued a 21-day ultimatum (expiring August 16) over:

Non-payment of 7-month salary arrears

Unfulfilled Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)

Suspension — not withdrawal — of a controversial NSIWC circular

Government’s failure to address 19 critical demands

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NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and Secretary-General Dr. Jamin Egbo warned that the government’s neglect of doctors’ welfare risks accelerating brain drain and deepening Nigeria’s already fragile health indices.

Both unions emphasised dialogue but highlighted years of systemic neglect, poor working conditions, and broken promises. Without urgent government action, the country’s public hospitals could face a renewed shutdown, further burdening the most vulnerable citizens.