Nurses under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have reaffirmed their commitment to embark on a seven-day warning strike starting Wednesday, insisting that the government’s failure to respond to their demands has left them no choice.
Speaking on Tuesday, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum on July 14, 2025, demanding urgent action from the Federal Government to avoid a collapse of healthcare services. However, he said, the government failed to respond.
“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 stated.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time. Fifteen days is enough for them to call us for negotiations. It is because they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses. That’s why they allowed 15 good days to elapse.”
The nurses are demanding several reforms, including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a distinct salary structure for nurses, improved core duty allowances, mass recruitment, and the creation of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan emphasized that the strike was driven by the frustration of members who have endured decades of poor working conditions.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves, equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike.”
“And we gave them notice of 15 days. Maybe they are looking at it that these people have not gone on strike for a very long time, so they are not going to go on strike. But they are wrong,” he said.
He added that nurses were undeterred by potential government retaliation, such as salary deductions:
“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. So, we don’t have any option but to allow them to exercise their rights, because they are tired.
“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 also explained the next steps should the government continue to remain silent after the warning strike.
“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” he warned.
Addressing concerns that some hospitals may not participate in the strike, Rilwan clarified that the only institutions exempt are those that are not financial members of the association.
“Nobody is pulling out. Federal Medical Centre Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, have not been part of our association because of some issues.”
“They have opted out of the association for the past three years. So they are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association, but other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike.”
