The Federal Government has committed to gazetting the long-delayed Nurses’ Scheme of Service within four weeks, following pressure from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
This was one of the key resolutions reached at the end of a conciliation meeting on Friday in Abuja. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment and attended by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Pate, and NANNM leadership.
NANNM had declared a seven-day warning strike last Wednesday to push for reforms affecting career growth, allowances, and internship placements. The union suspended the strike on Saturday after both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
“The association was assured that the Scheme of Service shall be gazetted within four weeks,” the agreement read. “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has already written to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and follow-up is underway.”
The Scheme of Service, first approved in 2016 by the National Council on Establishments, outlines the duties, qualifications, and promotion structure for nurses in government service. Despite its approval, the scheme has yet to be gazetted, leaving many nurses in career limbo.
Internship placements were also a major concern. The MoU stated that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria will now adopt a centralised internship system — similar to what is already in place for other health professionals.
On professional allowances, including shift duty, uniform allowance, call duty, and teaching-related pay, the Health Ministry has been tasked with opening talks with all health unions. These discussions are expected to conclude within two weeks.
Other points agreed include:
Fair representation of nurses on the boards of federal tertiary hospitals
Full implementation of a National Industrial Court ruling mandating a dedicated nursing department at the Federal Ministry of Health
Constitution of the Governing Board of the Nursing Council
Recruitment of more nurses and provision of equipment in health facilities
The Health Ministry confirmed that over 14,000 health workers were recruited in 2024, with nurses accounting for about 60 percent. New waivers for 2025 have already been requested.
NANNM President Haruna Mamman signed the agreement on behalf of the union, alongside Health Ministry and Labour Ministry officials.
