…reiterates FG’s commitment to welfare of health personnel

… we’re at breaking point, may escalate our demands through lawful means, NANNM threatens

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, yesterday, met with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives,NANNM.

Speaking during the visit to the association’s office in Abuja where he meet with executive committee members, the minister reassured that the federal government was committed to enhancing the working condition of health personnel in the country.

The minister’s reassurance came as the National President of NANNM, Mr Haruna Mamman, said his members were currently at the breaking point, warning that unless immediate steps were taken by the government to address their demands, they will escalate their demands through lawful means.

Salako,while noting the concerns raised by Mamman, promised that the demands of the association would be tackled.

He explained that the delay in implementing the scheme of service for nurses, the 2012 National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) judgment, and salary adjustments would all be soon addressed.

The minister pledged to engage relevant agencies, including the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to ensure a timely resolution.

“I am assuring you that I will take this matter personally to the Coordinating Minister. I ask that you take me at my word,” Salako stressed.

Speaking further,he highlighted the important role nurses play in the healthcare system, noting that their dedication was crucial to national development.

He urged the association to continue constructive engagement with the government, emphasising that dialogue should replace industrial actions.

“Patriotism should guide our actions. As caregivers, the lives of many depend on you.

“While your demands are valid, we must consider the impact of prolonged strikes on patient care and the healthcare system,” he said.

Salako also expressed concern about the mass exodus of nurses to foreign countries due to poor working conditions, highlighting that the ongoing brain drain was exacerbating Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.

He encouraged nurses to remain in the country to help build the system, stressing that if all healthcare workers left, the nation would face significant challenges.

“Our hospitals need not close. The system must work through our collective efforts. We see nurses as partners in this mission,” Salako added.

National President of NANNM,Haruna Mamman,while acknowledging the minister’s visit in his remarks, said that nurses had endured years of unfulfilled promises.

He regretted that even when the union held itself from taking some actions detrimental to both the government, through industrial action for two years, hoping their concerns would be locked into, the reverse was still the case.

He warned that, “Nurses are at their breaking point. If urgent action is not taken, we may have no choice but to escalate our demands through lawful means. “

Mamman called on the government to expedite actions on nurses’ demands, including a review of their remuneration and working conditions to prevent further migration.

He regretted that despite the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN judgment of 2012, implementation of the judgement was still pending.