Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have launched a seven-day warning strike starting today, despite the Federal Government’s appeals.
The industrial action began at midnight, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July 2025, in which the union demanded improved welfare packages, fair allowances, and better working conditions across federal health facilities.
Morakinyo Rilwan, National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, said on Tuesday that the government failed to engage the union meaningfully within the given timeframe.
“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. Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan said.
Among the nurses’ demands are a review of shift and uniform allowances, implementation of a separate salary structure, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan explained that the decision to strike was a reflection of growing frustration among members—not a unilateral move by the union’s leadership.
“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 stated.
He also dismissed concerns over possible government retaliation with a “no work, no pay” policy.
“They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready—because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”
Rilwan noted that nurses have endured decades of poor conditions, including lack of essential medical supplies like gloves, and emphasized that the profession had avoided strikes for over 40 years.
The warning strike is expected to end on 5 August, but the union has threatened to issue a 21-day fresh ultimatum if there is no meaningful government response—signaling the possibility of a total and 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.
He also clarified that certain hospitals like FMC Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) are not part of the action due to non-affiliation with the union.
“They are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association. Other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike,” he added.