Nigerian Nurses strike over 40 Years of neglect, vow to continue until FG acts

Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have initiated a seven-day warning strike starting today, despite previous appeals from the Federal Government.

The strike follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July 2025, in which the union demanded improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across federal health institutions.

The National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the decision to strike was made necessary by the government’s failure to engage meaningfully with the association during the ultimatum period.

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“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment,” Rilwan said, adding that even if the government calls now, it won’t stop the strike.

He emphasized that the union had given enough time for dialogue and action.

The nurses’ demands include an upward review of shift allowances, adjustments to uniform allowances, the implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Rilwan explained that the strike was not initiated by the union’s leadership but was driven by widespread frustration among nurses due to long-standing neglect.

He stressed that nurses were willing to sacrifice their wages for as long as the strike continues, as their current compensation is insufficient.

The union also highlighted that it has endured poor working conditions for over 40 years without taking any strike action.

However, after decades of patience, they now demand the government address their grievances.

The warning strike will end on 5 August 2025, but should the government remain unresponsive, the union will serve a fresh 21-day ultimatum, which could lead to an indefinite strike.

Rilwan also clarified that only institutions not financially affiliated with the association are exempt from the strike, such as the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, which have not been part of the association for the past three years.

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If the strike continues, NANNM-FHI is prepared to escalate the action with a full, indefinite strike, pending further government inaction.