TheNewsGuru

Tag: FG

  • FG sacks 15 correctional the officers, demotes 59

    FG sacks 15 correctional the officers, demotes 59

    The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has dismissed 15 correctional officers following deliberations on 224 disciplinary cases involving personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

    This comes as the board reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct within the Service. The cases were presented by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC) following extensive investigations.

    These measures, according to the Board, reflect its commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding professional standards across all cadres.

    A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violations of Service regulations.

    Also, 59 officers had their ranks reduced due to confirmed breaches of professional standards, while 42 personnel received written warning letters as corrective measures.

    The Board also exonerated 16 personnel who were found not guilty of the allegations against them.

    Meanwhile, seven staff members remain on suspension as investigations continue into their level of involvement in a separate case.

    However, one officer was suspended and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution due to the gravity of the offence committed.

    Other sanctions include the compulsory retirement of eight personnel and the reversal of rank for one officer, who has been directed to refund all earnings accrued while holding the rank in error.

    The Board, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across the services under its purview.

    In a statement, signed on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured the public that all disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with fairness and in strict compliance with existing rules and procedures.

    He also appealed for continued cooperation from members of the public to support the Service in its reform and correctional mandate.

  • We are not against concession but… – Aviation Unions

    We are not against concession but… – Aviation Unions

    Aviation Unionists have appealed to the Federal Government to  priotise labour’s affairs in its plan to concession airports in the country.

    They made the call on Wednesday during their joint congress at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

    Mr Abdul Ahmed, the Chairman, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Abuja Chapter, called for clarity in the airport concession.

    Specifically, he said workers’ condition of service should not be neglected.

    According to him, airports’ concession  without putting into consideration more than 8,000 Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) workers will pose a very big challenge.

    “It is a government policy, we don’t have to stop government from executing its policy.

    “However, all we need is that labour issues must be resolved before moving ahead to do anything.

    “That is why we are here today to say, we are not against concession,” he said

    Mr Desmond Agoro, the Chairman, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN) Abuja Chapter, outrightly condemned  federal government move to concession any nation`s airports.

    Agoro, however said if the government must concession the airports, due process should be followed..

    Mrs Ukpen Lucy, NUATE Women Leader, urged the Federal Government to priotise labour related issues while embarking on airport concession.

    Also speaking, Mr Iwatuje Obafemi, Chairman, Association of Nigerian Aviation Profession of Nigerian,(ANAP) , Abuja Chapter, said the federal Government should be sensitive to workers welfare in the concession process

    He advised the government to priotise  security and safety of travellers at the nation’s airports.

  • FG denies selling Bauchi housing units to NAF

    FG denies selling Bauchi housing units to NAF

    The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has dismissed allegations that it sold 270 newly constructed housing units along the Ningi-Kano Road to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Mr Nwamadu Herbert, the State Controller of the Ministry, refuted the claims while addressing newsmen on Friday in Bauchi.

    The Bauchi State Concerned Citizens Group had staged a protest against the alleged sale of the houses to the NAF, demanding justice.

    Nwamadu explained that although discussions with the NAF were still ongoing, no transfer of ownership had been finalised, as the ministry was still awaiting directives from its headquarters.

    “The houses remain under the custody of the ministry,” he said.

    He called the protesters ‘illegal occupants’ and explained that provisional allocations were granted only to genuine allottees who fulfilled the stipulated requirements within 90 days.

    He said the decision to revoke offers to defaulters on April 1 was widely publicised and challenged any protester to produce valid allocation documents.

    Meanwhile, the Concerned Citizens group, led by Mr Aliyu Ladan, has insisted that the alleged sale undermined the welfare of Bauchi workers.

    Ladan described the move as “unfortunate and illegitimate,” claiming the houses were part of a 1,000-unit project initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle workers’ accommodation challenges.

    He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and cancel the purported deal, warning that the development could trigger unrest.

    He urged the government to prioritise the rights and welfare of residents over institutional negotiations.

  • FG signs MOU with NAAT to avert strike

    FG signs MOU with NAAT to avert strike

    The Federal Government and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to avert a planned nationwide strike by the union.

    Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment disclosed  this on Thursday in Abuja. after a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government representatives and the leadership of NAAT

    It would be recalled that the union had threatened to commence a nationwide protest on August 6, over the non implementation of all outstanding issues reached with the Federal Government.

    Dingyadi said the meeting resolved to set up a technical committee to address the issue of  mainstreaming of allowances of NAAT members.

    “This include Field Trip, Student Technologist Staff Ratio Supplementation, Student Work Experience Programme (SWEP), and call duty allowances,” he said.

    The minister said that the committee comprises of the Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, two representatives each from NAAT, National Universities Commission (NUC).

    The minister said others were the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and Federal Ministry of Education.

    He said the committee has two weeks to submit its report.

    Dingyadi said the meeting also directed the same committee to handle the payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries

    He said others issues were, the release of third-party deductions of the two-month withheld salaries, payment of seven and 11 months arrears of Occupational Hazard and Responsibility Allowances respectively.

    He further said that the meeting directed the NUC to revisit for possible resolution of the omitted payment of arrears of 30,000 Minimum Wage to members of NAAT that was implemented in 2019.

    He said the meeting agreed that the committee handling the mainstreaming of allowances should also look into the payment of one year arrears of 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary increment.

    On the release of the N50bn to settle outstanding claims of earned allowances of NAAT members, Dingyadi said the meeting directed the Federal Ministry of Labour to follow up with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure possible supplementary payment to NAAT.

    He also said the meeting mandated the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to follow up with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure early completion of the protracted FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation exercise.

    Furthermore, he said the meeting noted that the consequential adjustment of the New Minimum Wage has been implemented as negotiated by the Joint Public Negotiating Council.

    On the release of enabling circular for career progression to CONTISS 14 and 15 for Academic Technologists, he said the meeting directed the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to write to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to expedite action on it.

    He said the meeting agreed that another conciliation meeting would be held in three weeks to review the situation and consider the report of the committee.

    Signatories to the MOU on the government side include Mr Harry Ogugua, Acting Head of Industrial and Labour Relations Division, NUC; Emmanuel Onung, Representative of Federal Ministry of Education and Mr Falonipe Amos, Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment

    Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, President of NAAT and Mr Abubakar Yusuf, General Secretary, signed on behalf of the union.

  • FG begins reconstruction of collapsed Keffi flyover

    FG begins reconstruction of collapsed Keffi flyover

    The Federal Government has begun reconstruction of the collapsed Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, while accelerating major roadworks across the country.

    Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, disclosed this after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

    Umahi described the July 4 collapse as “very unfortunate” and confirmed a settlement with the families of the three persons who lost their lives.

    “We lost three lives there. We have settled with the families. They are not pressing charges. Reconstruction has commenced,” the minister stated.

    He said one carriageway has been closed for urgent repairs, following structural assessments to prevent further hazards.

    The Keffi Flyover is a critical link between Abuja, Nasarawa and other parts of Nigeria’s north-central region.

    Umahi added that FEC has approved funding and reviews for several key road and bridge projects nationwide.

    He noted that 360 road rehabilitation projects were completed in 2023, and inspections are ongoing across all zones.

    To enhance transparency, state engineering chambers will now help monitor federal road projects in their respective domains.

    The minister listed several strategic projects, many exceeding ₦10 billion, that have either begun or received significant funding.

    They include: Abuja Road Lot 1: 118 km at ₦275bn (30 per cent disbursed and completed); and Lot 2: 164 km at ₦502bn (₦150bn released for six sections).

    Other priority projects are: Enugu–Onitsha Road: 72 km at ₦150bn (₦45bn released); Abuja–Kano Road: ₦220bn (30 per cent disbursed); and Bauchi–Jigawa Sections: Fully funded.

    Also included is the Nembe–Brass Road: ₦156bn, with 30 per cent of funds already released.

    The near-complete Port Harcourt–Bodo–Bonny Road spans 35 km and costs ₦200bn.

    Further projects: Benin–Ifon–Akure Road: 108.4 km (30 per cent disbursed);
    Akure–Ado-Ekiti Road: 256 km at ₦761bn (30 per cent released).

    Newly approved and revised projects include: Biu–Numa Road (Borno/Adamawa): Revised to ₦61.76bn from ₦15.4bn.

    Maraba–Keffi Road (Nasarawa): Dualisation of 43.6 km at ₦76bn. Ikorodu–Sagamu Road (Lagos): ₦11.42bn variation approved for completion.

    Also, Kashamu–Amshi–Guru–Gurus Road (Yobe): ₦23.4bn for binder courses and a new vehicle bridge.

    Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: Kebbi Section: 258 km x2 at ₦1.92tn; Sokoto Section: 120 km x2 at ₦912bn.

    Further approvals include: Afe Babalola University Access Road (Ekiti): 14.4 km revised to ₦9.32bn due to funding gaps.

    Trans-Saharan Highway (Oyo–Benue border): Extended from 180 km to 231.64 km. Revised cost: ₦445.8bn due to soil failures and realignment.

    Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (Sections 4A and 4B in Ogun and Ondo): 80.35 km x2 at ₦1.65tn, including 6-metre swamp excavation.

    Umahi pledged to publish a comprehensive list of all ongoing and approved projects in the coming weeks.

  • Strikes: FG approves national industrial relations policy

    Strikes: FG approves national industrial relations policy

    The Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), a new framework aimed at reducing industrial disputes and promoting stable labour relations nationwide.

    ‎Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

    ‎Idris explained that the NIRP will guide trade unions, employers, and government agencies, promoting structured dialogue and aligning Nigeria’s labor practices with international standards.

    “The policy is a major step forward in addressing the long-standing gaps in how we manage labor relations in Nigeria,”

    “It seeks to ensure smooth workplace operations, strengthen tripartite cooperation between government, employers, and workers, as well as bring Nigeria’s practices in line with global benchmarks, particularly those of the International Labour Organization (ILO),” he said.

    ‎The minister emphasised that recurring industrial unrest often stemed from the lack of a clear national framework for negotiations, dispute resolution, and collective bargaining.

    ‎”With the NIRP in place, the government expects more predictable, peaceful, and structured labour relations across sectors.

    ‎“This policy elevates industrial relations as a national priority, deserving of urgent and continuous attention.

    “The policy will serve as a reference point for labour laws, union engagement, and conflict resolution in both the public and private sectors,” he added.

    The policy is projected to boost productivity and strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s labour environment.

  • Strike: FG sends passionate appeal to health workers

    Strike: FG sends passionate appeal to health workers

    The Federal Government has assured health workers that the ongoing dialogue will address the long-standing welfare issues in the sector.

    It called on all health workers to put the Nigerian people at the centre of their attention.

    ‎Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, states these after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Village, Abuja

    ‎Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Pate confirmed that discussions are ongoing with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which recently issued an ultimatum over unresolved concerns.

    ‎“There are issues we can resolve through negotiation, and we are intent, in good faith, to continue to find ways to resolve those outstanding issues with them over time.

    ‎“At the end of the day, the health workers are the lifeblood of the healthcare system, and the infrastructure and equipment we are providing have to be complemented by the health workers,” he said.

    ‎Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peaceful labour relations and averting strikes in the health sector.

    ‎He highlighted the administration’s major investments in tertiary health institutions across the country.

    ‎“We are seeing a revolution in terms of the infrastructure and equipment in federal tertiary institutions across our country.

    ‎“Recently launched oncology centres in hospitals in Katsina, Enugu, and Maiduguri are just examples of what this President has approved. Resources have already been deployed for tangible results that Nigerians can see.

    “Folks who are unfortunately facing the deadly disease of cancer may now choose to use our own resources here in this country, unless somebody chooses to do otherwise.

    ‎“World-class infrastructure that this President has provided can attend to most kinds of cancers, and these are accompanied by human resources dedicated to cancer care,” he said.

    ‎Th minister announced FEC’s approval for a major upgrade of the oncology centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    ‎“In line with health sector renewal investment initiative, today’s approval is a continuation of the trend of revolutionising the health infrastructure. The new facility will feature a Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    ‎“This will enable Nigerians who are suffering from cancer to be catered for,” he said, adding that more centres in Lagos, Nasarawa, and other states are in the pipeline”.

    ‎Pate also referenced recently inaugurated projects at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, which has transformed the facility among the largest in West Africa.

    ‎“This week alone, more than 10 major projects were commissioned there – a neurology centre, a stroke centre, a heart centre, an interventional radiology centre, and a revamped oncology centre.”

    ‎“This country has never witnessed such attention by a president to boost the health system,” he said

    ‎Addressing labour tensions, Pate acknowledged that a circular from the Accrued Wages Commission had triggered unrest among health professionals.

    ‎“This is a listening government.”

    ‎“The circular was withdrawn, and now we are in the process of negotiating in a transparent manner the increment in allowances so that we meet those health workers on the needs that they have expressed,” he said

    ‎Pate further confirmed the government’s decision to centralise the posting of nurses to ensure fairness and equity.

    ‎He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive to prioritise both health infrastructure and the workforce welfare.

  • Sack all unqualified teachers, FG charges TRCN

    Sack all unqualified teachers, FG charges TRCN

    The Federal Government has called on the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to intensify efforts in sanitising the education sector by weeding out unqualified teachers and upholding professional standards across the country.

    This directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, where he stressed the need for professionalism in teaching as a catalyst for national development.

    Represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Justina Ibe, the Minister urged the TRCN to continue enforcing its regulatory mandate by ensuring that only certified and competent teachers are allowed in classrooms nationwide.

    We must restore dignity and excellence to the teaching profession,” he said, emphasizing that the council must not relent in its efforts to improve learning outcomes by promoting qualified personnel.

    Also speaking, Chairman of TRCN’s Governing Board, Prof. Josiah Saliu, reiterated the council’s commitment to transforming the profession for the benefit of both learners and the country. He called on members of the council to work diligently and uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

    Prof. Saliu also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate funding for TRCN, citing challenges facing the council since the withdrawal of budgetary allocations.

    He noted that “adequate funding, especially for staff salaries, will greatly boost morale and enhance service delivery.”

    It will be recalled that in 2023, the Federal Government announced it would stop budgetary allocations to professional bodies and councils starting from January 2024, following recommendations by the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS).

    A memo issued by the Budget Office of the Federation, dated June 26, 2023 with reference number DG/BDT/GEN. CORR/2016/XII/3067, communicated the decision to affected bodies.

    The letter stated:

    “The Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS), at its 13th meeting, approved the discontinuation of budgetary allocation to Professional Bodies/Councils effective January 1, 2024… You will be required, effective January 1, 2024, to be fully responsible for your personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures.”

    The directive affected councils such as the TRCN, Computer Registration Council, and Librarians Registration Council, among others—who are now expected to operate as self-funded entities.

    TRCN Restates Commitment to Professionalism

    Reacting to the development, TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, lauded President Tinubu and the Education Minister for prioritising education reforms.

    She reaffirmed TRCN’s dedication to working with stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian teachers are professionally competent, globally recognised, and capable of delivering quality education.

    “Our goal remains to elevate the teaching profession and position Nigerian teachers for competitiveness in the global education space,” she said.

    The renewed drive comes amid broader reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the right foundation for national development

  • READ latest update on police recruitment exercise by FG (Here)

    READ latest update on police recruitment exercise by FG (Here)

    The Federal Government has shared a new update on the 2025 police recruitment exercise, giving Nigerians a clearer picture of what to expect.

    According to the Police Service Commission (PSC), the upcoming recruitment process for Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Inspectors will be guided by strict rules to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants across the country.

    During a recent visit to the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in Abuja, the PSC made it clear that it won’t tolerate any form of favoritism or shady dealings. This latest development comes after the Nigerian Senate gave the green light for the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers.

    Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General Hashimu Salihu Argungu, didn’t mince words. He warned that anyone caught trying to manipulate or hijack the recruitment process will face strict sanctions. According to him, the Commission is fully committed to a recruitment exercise that reflects merit, discipline, and national unity.

    “There will be no room for backdoor entries, favoritism, or shady practices. We’re putting measures in place to ensure the process is clean, credible, and fair to all Nigerians,” he said.

    Argungu also emphasized that although no specific date has been announced yet for the recruitment to kick off, the Commission is already working closely with key stakeholders like the FCC to ensure that due process is followed from start to finish.

    In response, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, described the PSC Chairman’s visit as a welcome development and a solid step towards strengthening inter-agency cooperation.

    He noted that partnering with the PSC to ensure fairness in the recruitment process aligns with the FCC’s core mandate of promoting equity and balanced representation in public institutions.

    This collaboration is not just about filling vacancies. It’s about restoring public trust, deepening national unity, and building a police force that reflects the true diversity of Nigeria,” Oladele said.

    He stressed that a diverse police force would help reinforce confidence in law enforcement and reduce public skepticism, especially in marginalized communities.

    Oladele assured the PSC of the Commission’s full support in ensuring that the upcoming recruitment strictly follows the federal character principle. He added that transparency and fairness are non-negotiable if Nigeria must build institutions that truly serve its people.

    As Nigerians await the release of the official recruitment date, both the PSC and FCC have assured the public that no room will be given to backdoor arrangements or favoritism. The message is clear: only qualified candidates who meet the criteria will make it through.

  • Hospitals reject patients, FG springs into action as nurses strike

    Hospitals reject patients, FG springs into action as nurses strike

    The Adeoyo Hospital in Ibadan has discharged patients on admission, following the nationwide strike by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which began on Wednesday.

    The association directed its members to start a seven-day warning strike following the Federal Government’s failure to respond to their demands.

    Some of the demands of the nurses are the upward review of shift allowance, uniform allowance adjustment, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance.

    Also included in the demands are mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health among others.

    A visit by a NAN correspondent to Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, showed that many of the wards had no patients on admission at the hospital.

    The correspondent was informed that the patients were discharged with just a few in critical condition still on the wards, but with no nurses to attend to them.

    A relative of one of the patients at the female ward, Mr Adegoke Rahman, said some of the patients in the ward were told to go home due to the nurses’ strike.

    Rahman said that his mother, who was still at the hospital ward, just had an operation on her leg and could not walk or use it to stand.

    He said that doctors were the ones attending to them and no nurse was presently working at the hospital.

    Also, Mr Samuel Biyi, an out patient, said that he came to the hospital to treat a wound on his leg and was not attended to.

    He said that the leg was seriously paining him.

    One of the doctors on duty, who pleaded that his name shouldn’t be published, said that doctors and other medical personnel were not on strike and were attending to patients.

    He, however, said that the hospital was not currently taking patients on admission, but attending to out patients.

    The doctor said that any patient with critical condition not admitted were referred to private hospitals for treatment.

    He said that the patients on admission had been told to go home since yesterday because of the nurses’ strike.

    It would be recalled that the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Oyo State chapter, dieected its members to comply with  the seven- day nationwide warning strike starting from Wednesday.

    The Oyo State NANNM Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Aina, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

    Aina said the decision arose from the resolution of the emergency meeting of the National Executive Council of NANNM and subsequent directive received from NANNM National Headquarters.

    Nurses’ strike disrupts services in Bayelsa

    Similarly, public hospitals in Bayelsa State on Wednesday abruptly discharged patients as nurses across Nigeria commenced a seven-day warning strike to demand improved working conditions and welfare.

    The strike, declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), disrupted normal operations at major public health facilities in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as union leaders monitored compliance.

    When a NAN correspondent visited the Primary Health Centre in Amarata community, the facility remained closed as of 11 a.m. Locals attributed the closure to the ongoing strike.

    At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, only a few patients were seen wandering around the wards without receiving medical attention.

    Some patients said they had been waiting to see doctors since 8 a.m., while others with scheduled appointments were left unattended.

    Mr Liberia Progress, Chairman of NANNM at FMC Yenagoa, led the enforcement team at the hospital and confirmed that no skeletal services would be available during the strike.

    He stated, “We have nine key demands. In Nigeria, nurses are discouraged from traveling abroad, yet we are underappreciated at home in spite of our sacrifices.

    “We want the government to meet our demands so we can continue to care for our patients effectively.”

    Their demands include: Gazetting the revised nursing scheme of service, implementation of the Industrial Act of 2012, upward review of professional allowances for nurses and midwives, and employment of more nursing personnel.

    Other demands include adequate provision of medical equipment and facilities, establishment of a Nursing Department within the Federal Ministry of Health, and inclusion of nurses in healthcare policy-making bodies and leadership roles.

    Others are appointment of nurses as Health Commissioners in states and centralisation of internship placements for graduate nurses, similar to doctors.

    “This is a total shutdown. Hospitals have discharged many patients, and the wards are largely empty,” he added.

    Also speaking, Mr Amos Ombufa, NANNM National Treasurer for the Federal Health Institution Sector and South-South Zonal Coordinator, confirmed full compliance across federal hospitals in the region.

    He said, “If after this seven-day warning strike our demands are not met, we will issue a 21-day ultimatum.

    “If the government still fails to respond, we will proceed on an indefinite strike. Nurses must not relent.”

    The Public Relations Officer of FMC Yenagoa, Mr Akpedi Bernard, described the situation as unfortunate.

    He explained that the hospital, anticipating the strike, mobilised available doctors and senior nursing staff to offer limited services.

    “As the only tertiary federal health facility in Bayelsa, FMC is responsible for more than 70 per cent of healthcare services in the state.

    “A strike like this has a serious impact. However, we have tried to keep essential services running for critical and emergency cases,” Bernard said.

    FG appeals to nurses, midwives to shelve impending strike

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to shelve its impending strike.

    Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with the leadership of the association.

    Nurses across Nigeria, under NANNM, have announced a seven-day warning strike beginning Wednesday night, over welfare and other pressing issues.

    The aggrieved workers, specifically, are demanding for improved working conditions, better welfare packages, and increased recognition, inadequate staffing, limited resources, insufficient remuneration, among others.

    The minister, however, implored them to step back from their planned action, stating that “strike is not the best solution to industrial disputes’’.

    He urged the association to embrace dialogue while the government continues to work on addressing their concerns.

    The meeting will continue on Friday at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Health, as the government works out a resolution to the dispute.