Posted on: Sat 02-08-2025

In a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the Federal Government and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have reached a landmark agreement, effectively ending the nationwide strike that had paralyzed health services across the country.

The resolution came after a series of high-level conciliation meetings convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment and the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare on July 29 and August 1, 2025.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

Gazetting of Nurses’ Scheme of Service: The long-awaited Scheme of Service approved in 2016 will be officially gazetted within four weeks, with follow-up responsibilities assigned to the Federal Ministry of Health and NANNM.

Implementation of Court Judgement & Nursing Department Creation: The National Industrial Court’s ruling will be interpreted and enforced, including the establishment of a dedicated Nursing Department within the Ministry of Health.

Enhanced Professional Allowances: Nurses will benefit from a comprehensive package including:

• 30% shift duty allowance
• 20% specialist allowance
• N300,000 annual uniform allowance
• 4% call duty allowance
• 35% teaching allowance
• Peculiar workload and burnout allowance
• Retention allowance to curb brain drain

Centralized Internship Placement: The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) will implement a centralized internship system to ensure equitable distribution across states.

Fair Representation in Health Boards: Nurses will be fairly represented in the boards of tertiary health institutions, with official communication already dispatched.

Consultancy Recognition: The Ministry will initiate discussions to define roles and responsibilities for Nursing and Midwifery consultancy positions.

Council Constitution & Employment Drive: The statutory Nursing Council will be reconstituted promptly.

CEmployment of Nursing Personnel and Adequate Provision of Health Facility Equipment: Waivers were granted for employment of Over 14,000 health workers were recruited in 2024, with nurses making up 60%. The 2025 recruitment process is underway.

Strike Called Off Immediately

In light of these resolutions, NANNM has officially called off its strike and emphasized that no member should face victimization for participating in the industrial action.

Signatories to the MoU include:

• Comrade Mamman, President, NANNM
• Comrade T. A. Shettima, General Secretary, NANNM
• Dafeta T. Tetshoma, Director, Human Resources, FMOH
• Falonipe Amos O., Director, Trade Union Services & Industrial Relations, FML&E

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