Nigerian nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM–FHI) have confirmed that their planned seven-day warning strike will begin on Wednesday as scheduled.
The union says the strike will proceed even if the government reaches out for negotiations at the last minute.
According to the National Chairman of the association, Morakinyo Rilwan, the Federal Government had been given a 15-day ultimatum since July 14, 2025, to address their demands but failed to act. He emphasized that the strike became inevitable due to years of neglect and poor working conditions.
The nurses are demanding an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure, an increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a Nursing Department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan noted that the government’s silence during the 15-day ultimatum reflects insensitivity to the plight of healthcare workers and the general public. He added that the strike was not just a decision by union leaders but a collective resolution by members who are frustrated by four decades of poor treatment and lack of essential medical supplies.
He stressed that the nurses are ready to face any consequences, including “no work, no pay,” arguing that their current earnings are barely enough for survival. If the government fails to meet their demands after the warning strike, the union plans to issue another 21-day ultimatum in line with labor laws. Should there still be no resolution, they will embark on a total and indefinite strike.
Addressing concerns that some hospitals may not participate, Rilwan clarified that only institutions without financially registered members—such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute-Metta—are exempt. He confirmed that all other federal hospitals in Lagos, across the states, and in the Federal Capital Territory will join the strike.
