NANNM Directs Nurses to Join Nationwide Protest Against Cost of Living Crisis

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has instructed its members to fully participate in the proposed nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, protesting the country’s cost of living crisis.

In a circular issued by the NANNM Secretariat and signed by its Deputy General Secretary and Acting Head of Department, Industrial Relations, Otaru Shaibu, on Wednesday, the directive was given.

The protest was declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on February 16, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which ends on February 22. This ultimatum was prompted by the alleged failure of the government to implement agreements reached on October 2, 2023, after the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Earlier, on February 8, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had given the government a two-week ultimatum to meet various demands, including wage increments and improved access to public utilities.

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In a circular dated February 21, 2024, titled “Re: Mobilisation for the nationwide protest rally,” the NANNM urged its members to ensure the success of the protest rally by complying with the directive.

The circular, addressed to the National Administration Council members, the National Executive Council members, and all members of NANNM, stated, “All state councils of the association are hereby enjoined to comply with the directive to make the protest rally a huge success.”

It further urged members to mobilize in line with the directive, attaching the NLC letter conveying the directive for necessary action.

However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has withdrawn its support for the planned two-day nationwide protest announced by the NLC. According to the Vice-President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, the decision to protest on February 27 and 28, as announced by the NLC, was not collectively agreed upon by both unions. This withdrawal was communicated in a letter dated February 19, 2024, written by the TUC Secretary-General, Dr. Nuhu Toro.