By Our Reporter
The House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity has made an urgent appeal to Nigerian nurses and midwives to call off their ongoing nationwide strike, warning that the industrial action is further crippling the country’s already overstretched healthcare system.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Chairman of the Committee, Asiwaju (Dr.) Adegboyega Adefarati, acknowledged the critical roles nurses and midwives play in safeguarding public health, stressing that their grievances are valid and being addressed.
However, he emphasized the need to balance sectoral demands with national interest during what he described as a “sensitive period of economic transformation.”
“The strike has significantly disrupted healthcare services across the country,” Adefarati noted.
“While we understand the frustrations of our health professionals, we must collectively consider the broader impact on millions of Nigerians who depend on public healthcare services.”
According to the committee, both the Minister of Labour and Minister of Health are currently engaging the leadership of the nurses and midwives in dialogue aimed at finding an amicable solution to their demands.
The lawmakers urged the union to seize the opportunity for peaceful resolution and to demonstrate patriotism by suspending the strike in the interim.
“We believe that through constructive engagement and mutual understanding, we can achieve balanced outcomes that respect the needs of our health workers while safeguarding the rights and well-being of all Nigerians,” the statement added.
The House Committee reiterated its commitment to supporting all stakeholders in achieving sustainable improvements in the health sector, while appealing for calm and cooperation from the striking workers.
