Pate announced this after a closed-door meeting with representatives of NANNM on Friday. He stated that the strike was suspended following agreements reached between the union and the Federal Government.
However, leaders of NANNM present at the meeting declined to confirm the Minister's claim when approached by journalists.
The strike, which began on July 29, was initially expected to last until August 5. It grounded activities at federal-owned medical healthcare facilities across the country.
The demands of the union include:
1. Upward review of shift allowances
2. Adjustment of uniform allowance
3. Implementation of a dedicated salary structure for nurses
4. Increased core duty allowance
5. Mass employment of nurses
6. Creation of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health
NANNM had accused the Federal Government of failing to engage in meaningful negotiations, leading to the strike. The union's National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the decision to down tools was driven by frustration among members over long-standing neglect.