Nurses operating within Nigeria's federal health institutions, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), have initiated a seven-day warning strike starting at midnight today, despite appeals from the Federal Government.
The union has clarified that this industrial action became unavoidable following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum, which was originally issued on July 14, 2025. Their demands center on crucial improvements in welfare, equitable allowances, and more conducive working conditions for nursing professionals across all federal health facilities.
Morakinyo Rilwan, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, stated on Tuesday that the Federal Government had failed to engage in any meaningful dialogue with the association during the ample window provided. "As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it," Rilwan emphasized. He added that even immediate government contact wouldn't halt the current strike, asserting, "They had enough time."
Core Demands Driving the Strike:
The nurses' grievances are comprehensive, encompassing a range of critical issues:
Upward Review of Shift Allowance: Seeking better compensation for challenging work schedules.
Adjustment of Uniform Allowance: Fairer provisions for professional attire.
Separate Salary Structure: Implementation of a distinct pay scale specifically for nurses.
Increased Core Duty Allowance: Enhanced remuneration for essential professional responsibilities.
Mass Employment of Nurses: A call for increased recruitment to alleviate staffing shortages.
Dedicated Nursing Department: Creation of a specific department within the Federal Ministry of Health to address nursing concerns directly.
Rilwan stressed that this decision to strike was not an arbitrary one made by the union's leadership. Instead, it was compelled by a widespread and deep-seated frustration among members, stemming from decades of perceived neglect. "This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want," he affirmed. He also noted the nurses' readiness to endure a "no work, no pay" stance, believing their current earnings are insufficient, and they are prepared to sacrifice this as long as the strike continues.
"For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike," Rilwan highlighted, emphasizing the long-standing patience of the profession.
Outlook and Scope of the Action:
The warning strike is scheduled to conclude on August 5. However, NANNM-FHI has cautioned that should the government remain unresponsive, they would issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum, in strict adherence to labor laws, which could precede a full-blown indefinite strike. "If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike," Rilwan warned.
Addressing concerns about potential opt-outs from the industrial action, Rilwan clarified that only institutions not financially affiliated with the association are exempt. He specifically mentioned Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, stating they haven't been part of the association for the past three years due to internal issues and are thus not legally covered to participate. "Other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike," the NANNM-FHI National Chairman confirmed.
