By Aderogba George
Dr Yusuf-Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, has urged Nigerian nurses to adopt effective consultation in resolving industrial crises before resorting to strikes.
Speaking at the 2024 FCT Nurses Week opening ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Sununu emphasised the importance of mutual respect among the workforce and promoting consultation within the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
Sununu encouraged nurses to be empathetic and take a patient-centric approach, prioritising their well-being and protection from infectious diseases.
He also stressed the need for nurses to invest in themselves, acquire additional skills, and develop professionally.
The Minister appealed to nurses to remain in Nigeria, contribute to the country’s healthcare, and provide better care for patients through teamwork.
He acknowledged the significance of nurses in providing firsthand information at hospitals.
Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), expressed concern over the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Ajaero, represented by Mrs Deborah Yusuf, an executive member of the labour union, emphasised the NLC’s support for NANNM and called on the Federal Government to address nurses’ salary scales to prevent migration.
Dr Thomas Shettima, National Secretary of NANNM, highlighted the economic power of care, emphasising nursing’s direct and indirect contributions to population health and national financial wellbeing.
Shettima, represented by Elder Otaru Shuibu, from NANNM National Secretariat, noted that nurses play a crucial role in disease prevention, health promotion, and education, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and increasing efficiency.
Mr Jaman Medan, Chairman, NANNM-FCT Council, earlier in his welcome address, sought the Federal Government’s intervention on welfare for nurses and midwives. (NAN)