Just In: Tinubu’s Govt Bows to Striking Nurses’ Pressure, Takes Action
- The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made a major move following the ongoing nationwide nurses’ strike
- The minister of health, Prof Ali Pate, held a crucial meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)
- While negotiations were ongoing, the union’s national chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, declared that nothing will stop the ongoing strike
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
After days of outcry, the minister of health, Prof Ali Pate, met with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and representatives of the Ministry of Labour, on Friday, August 1.
The closed-door meeting was part of ongoing negotiations between the nursing association and the ministries of health and labour.
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Nurses, midwives demand better welfare under Tinubu
Nigerian nurses and midwives had commenced a warning strike on July 29, 2025, after the government reportedly failed to respond meaningfully to its 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025.
The ongoing warning strike involving nurses in public health institutions across the country is expected to continue till August 5, 2025, with more devastating effects.
As reported by Channels TV, the union had demanded improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across federal health institutions.
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Nothing will stop strike - Union leader declares
Meanwhile, the union’s national chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had stated that the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had enough time but had failed to engage meaningfully with the association during the window provided.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” Rilwan noted.
Speaking further, Rilwan stressed that the decision to strike was not unilaterally taken by the union’s leadership, but driven by a groundswell of frustration among members over long-standing neglect.
Tinubu approves employment of doctors, nurses
Meanwhile, in February 2025, Legit.ng reported that the federal government led by President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to serve in correctional centres.
The move according to a presidential aide, Dada Olusegun, was to improve healthcare for inmates across the nation.
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- Tinubu appeals to Nigerian doctors abroad to return
- Tinubu's govt unveils major move to bring back 12,400 doctors abroad, details emerge
- Breaking: Resident doctors begin nationwide strike, give reason
- Resident doctors call off nationwide strike
Tinubu laments migration of Nigerian doctors
In another development, Legit.ng reported that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors emigrated in the last five to seven years, causing significant financial losses.
The exodus was driven by poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and limited opportunities, prompting the government to develop a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria called for a pan-African approach to regulate health worker mobility, promote ethical recruitment, and retain skilled professionals through better data, training, and collaboration across the continent.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
