In a statement, the National Public Relations Officer of NANNM-FHI, Omomo Tibiebi, clarified that the strike, which began on Wednesday, remains in effect despite a meeting with the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, earlier on Friday.
Tibiebi emphasized that the minister has no authority to call off the strike, as he was not the one who initiated it. He added that the union's National Executive Council (NEC) will meet on Saturday to review the Federal Government's promises and determine the next line of action.
"The strike has not been suspended. The NEC meeting will decide whether the government's promises are enough for us to suspend the strike," Tibiebi stated.
The nurses embarked on the strike to press home their long-standing demands, including:
1. Upward review of shift allowance
2. Adjustment of uniform allowance
3. Separate salary structure for nurses
4. Increase in core duty allowance
5. Mass recruitment of nurses
6. Establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health
Meanwhile, hospitals nationwide continue to feel the impact of the strike, with patients facing disruptions in healthcare delivery. Many patients have been discharged due to the shortage of nurses, and hospital wards remain deserted.