The Federal Government has pledged to formally gazette the Nurses’ Scheme of Service—which outlines career structure, qualifications, job descriptions, and progression pathways for nurses—within four weeks. 

This commitment followed a conciliation meeting convened on August 1 by the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Health and Social Welfare, attended by leaders of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

The announcement came after NANNM initiated a seven‑day warning strike on July 30, demanding better career progression, welfare, allowances, and placement processes.

 In response, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promising, among other measures, the gazetting of the scheme and the centralisation of internship placements for graduate nurses.

Additional resolutions included referral of the National Industrial Court judgment on establishing a Nursing Department at the Federal Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Justice for implementation.

 Also addressed were multiple allowance enhancements—shift duty, specialist, uniform, call duty, teaching, burnout, and retention allowances—with plans for further discussions between the Ministry of Health and relevant unions within two weeks.

Reuters confirmed that nurses suspended the strike after the government agreed to provide clear implementation timelines and assured no disciplinary action would be taken against striking nurses. 

These actions signal meaningful steps toward addressing the long-standing concerns of the nursing workforce, as the government follows through on formalising career frameworks and improving working conditions.