The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions Sector, has denied reports that it has suspended its ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike, contrary to claims by the federal government.

Recall that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, told journalists that the nurses had agreed to suspend their industrial action following discussions with the union’s leadership.

However, in a separate interview with BusinessDay, Comrade Morakinyo Olajide Rilwan, the national chairman of the Federal Health Institutions sector under NANNM, firmly denied the minister’s announcement, insisting that the strike remained in full effect.

“If it was the minister who organised the strike, then he could call it off. As far as I am concerned, the strike organised by the association is still ongoing,” Rilwan said.

He confirmed that while discussions were held with the government, but no conclusive agreement was reached during the meeting.

“There will be a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting tomorrow (Saturday), and that is when a decision will be made. We would know if what the federal government has promised is good enough for us to suspend the strike,” Rilwan told BusinessDay.

The warning strike, which began on Wednesday, was declared in response to long-standing grievances including poor remuneration, critical staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions across Nigeria’s public health institutions.

It followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by the union to the federal government and has since disrupted services in many hospitals nationwide. The strike adds to an already tense atmosphere in the health sector, where medical doctors are also in dispute with the government over welfare-related issues.