…..Urges the association to prioritize patriotism in service
By Fatima Saka
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has criticized the frequent use of strikes by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), stating that industrial actions have lost their impact on the public.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during a visit to the union, Dr. Salako urged the association to demonstrate greater patriotism in their service delivery. He also addressed the idea of consolidating all health sector unions under a single umbrella.
Government’s Perspective on Health Sector Strikes
During his remarks, Dr. Salako emphasized the importance of the healthcare workforce, describing it as the most valuable asset in the sector.
“The most important asset in any healthcare system is its workforce—whether nurses, doctors, pharmacists, or administrative staff. If I am visiting workers at their place of work, it is only right that I also engage with those responsible for their welfare.”
He assured the union that his visit was not in response to any disputes but rather part of a broader effort to engage with all health sector unions.
“I know nurses are peaceful. I am not here because you are troublesome. This is a routine visit, and the first place I chose to visit is here because I believe in continuous engagement with unions.”
Dr. Salako acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare workers but emphasized the need for dialogue over industrial action.
“While workers have legitimate demands, we must also acknowledge that the government has its limitations. It is not everything that can be addressed at once, but through communication and understanding, we can find common ground.”
He urged NANNM leaders to foster better dialogue with the government, stating that frequent strikes disrupt healthcare services and undermine the effectiveness of government policies aimed at improving the sector.
“The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has prioritized the health sector. We have seen an increase in the budgetary allocation to health and the employment of more health workers in the last 18 months compared to the past six years. Additionally, there is now a waiver in place that allows for continuous replacement of departing health workers, ensuring no gap in staffing.”
Dr. Salako assured the union of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns, calling for patience and restraint.
NANNM’s Response: Frustration Over Unresolved Issues
In his response, Comrade Haruna Mamman, National President of NANNM, highlighted the association’s dual role as both a professional body and a trade union. He stressed that nurses and midwives have always prioritized dialogue over strikes but have been repeatedly sidelined by government officials.
He recounted the association’s attempts to engage with the Ministry of Health, including multiple requests for a courtesy visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, which were either ignored or redirected to lower-ranking officials.
“Despite these setbacks, we remained patient and cooperative. However, on the scheduled date of the meeting, our leadership arrived only to find no one available to receive them. This was both disappointing and disrespectful.”
Mamman emphasized that while NANNM does not advocate for strikes, the continued disregard for nurses’ welfare could lead to unavoidable industrial actions.
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“Nurses and midwives do not embark on strikes out of pleasure. It is always a last resort when the government repeatedly fails to fulfill its obligations. Unlike other unions that strike at the slightest provocation, we have endured years of neglect.”
Moving Forward: Call for Constructive Engagement
Dr. Salako reassured the union of the government’s commitment to their welfare and promised that their concerns would be addressed.
“This visit is a proactive measure to strengthen collaboration and prevent unnecessary industrial actions. The Ministry remains open to continuous dialogue, and I assure you that your voices will be heard.”
The meeting ended on a note of cautious optimism, with both parties agreeing on the need for regular engagement to resolve outstanding issues.
