Our Correspondent, Abuja
A major disruption looms in Nigeria’s federal healthcare system as nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions (NANNM–FHI) begin a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday, amid no invitation for negotiations from the Federal Government.
This action follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July 2025, during which the union had demanded urgent government intervention on critical issues affecting nurses’ welfare, working conditions, and remuneration.
In a firm declaration on Tuesday, the National Chairman of NANNM–FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, confirmed that the strike would proceed as planned, stressing that the government’s silence reflects indifference to the plight of healthcare workers.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike,” Rilwan told reporters. “They had enough time—15 good days. This government is not sensitive to the welfare of the masses.”
A Long-Awaited Outcry
Nigerian nurses and midwives have long grappled with inadequate pay, limited equipment, and unsafe working environments. However, the current move represents a decisive shift in approach for a profession often seen as disciplined and deferential in labour disputes.
“For over 40 years, nurses in federal institutions have not embarked on a strike,” Rilwan said. “But our members have run out of patience. They are tired of being ignored.”
Among the core demands listed by NANNM–FHI are:
- An upward review of shift and uniform allowances
- A separate and fair salary structure for nurses
- An increase in core duty allowances
- Mass recruitment of qualified nurses
- Creation of a dedicated Nursing Department within the Federal Ministry of Health
These demands highlight systemic challenges that have been simmering under the surface for decades, exacerbated by the exodus of nurses to countries with better employment terms, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Striking Amid Fragile Health Systems
The timing of the strike poses significant risks to Nigeria’s already strained federal health institutions, many of which are still recovering from the aftermath of COVID-19, ongoing insecurity, and a persistent brain drain.
NANNM–FHI leadership stressed that the strike is grassroots-driven and not simply a directive from the top.
“This strike was initiated by the members, not the leaders,” Rilwan said. “And they are prepared for any consequences, including ‘no work, no pay.’”
He added that the average nurse’s current income barely sustains basic living expenses, which makes the government’s usual deterrent threats less effective. “They’re ready to forfeit pay for this cause,” he said.
Potential for Escalation
Should the government fail to engage meaningfully within the next week, the union has warned that it will issue a new 21-day ultimatum—after which a total, indefinite shutdown will commence in line with labour law provisions.
“We are not joking. If there’s no progress after this warning strike, we will proceed on a full and indefinite industrial action,” Rilwan warned.
Exemptions and Legal Boundaries
Rilwan also addressed concerns over possible non-compliance by some hospitals, explaining that facilities such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, are not part of the strike due to their non-affiliation with NANNM–FHI.
“These institutions are not financial members of our association, so they are not covered by this action,” he clarified. “But hospitals in other parts of Lagos, and indeed across the country, including the FCT, are joining.”
A Crossroads for the Health Sector
The nurses’ strike is the latest in a series of labour actions shaking Nigeria’s public service sector. It casts a fresh spotlight on the country’s longstanding failure to invest adequately in healthcare infrastructure and personnel.
Healthcare unions have often accused the government of treating frontline workers as an afterthought—offering platitudes during health emergencies, but failing to institutionalise reforms or improve working conditions thereafter.
With no signal yet from the Federal Ministry of Health, the next few days will be pivotal—not just for the immediate welfare of nurses, but for the future credibility of public healthcare in Nigeria.
As Rilwan aptly put it, “This is not just about allowances; it’s about dignity, safety, and the survival of our profession.”