Nigerian Nurses Launch Nationwide Warning Strike Over Welfare Demands

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) has announced the commencement of a seven-day warning strike beginning Wednesday, July 31, 2025. The union, which represents nurses across federal health facilities in Nigeria, is protesting what it describes as years of government insensitivity to their welfare and working conditions.

Despite the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025, the Federal Government has yet to initiate dialogue or take action to address the nurses’ demands, prompting the association to proceed with the industrial action.

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In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to engage with the union before the ultimatum lapsed.

“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 said.

According to him, the 15-day notice period was ample time for the authorities to open negotiations. Instead, the government’s silence confirmed what the nurses interpret as longstanding neglect.

“For over 40 years, we have endured hardship—no gloves, no essential equipment, and poor working conditions. Yet, we’ve stayed committed. But enough is enough,” he added.

Demands Driving the Strike

The union’s demands are rooted in years of unmet expectations and worsening working conditions. Their key requests include:

• An upward review of shift allowances
• Adjustment of uniform allowances
• A distinct salary structure for nurses
• Increased core duty allowances
• Mass recruitment of nursing staff
• Establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health

These issues, the union argues, are essential not just for nurses’ welfare but also for improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery across the country. With an overstretched workforce and dwindling morale, nurses believe that urgent government intervention is necessary to avoid a collapse of public healthcare services.

Rilwan emphasized that the strike was a grassroots decision, initiated by the union’s rank and file rather than imposed from the top. “This is a member-led strike. They’ve had enough. They’re even willing to endure ‘no work, no pay’ because the current salary doesn’t sustain them anyway,” he declared.

Next Steps: From Warning to Indefinite Action

The union has made it clear that if the government fails to respond meaningfully during the seven-day warning strike, a more prolonged and indefinite strike action will follow. Rilwan explained that after the current strike ends, a fresh 21-day ultimatum will be issued, in line with labor laws.

“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.

The potential escalation underscores the urgency of the situation, especially as nurses remain one of the most critical cadres in Nigeria’s overstretched health sector.

Participation Across Nigeria and Clarification on Exemptions

While concerns have been raised about inconsistent participation across federal hospitals, Rilwan clarified that only institutions not financially affiliated with the union would be exempt. These include the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta.

“Nobody is pulling out. Institutions like LUTH and FMC Ebute-Metta are not participating because they haven’t been part of our association for the past three years due to unresolved issues. They are not covered legally to join,” Rilwan clarified.

He, however, reaffirmed that hospitals in other parts of Lagos, across Nigerian states, and in the Federal Capital Territory would fully participate in the strike.

Impact and Outlook

The warning strike by nurses is expected to significantly affect operations in federal health institutions nationwide, particularly in emergency services, outpatient clinics, and wards. Patients and healthcare administrators are bracing for disruptions as the union begins its action.

This strike, the first by the union in over four decades, highlights a growing trend of worker dissatisfaction across Nigeria’s public sector. It also places increased pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is already grappling with labor unrest from other health and education unions.

For now, Nigeria’s public hospitals will function at a reduced capacity, while the nation waits to see whether the government will break its silence and move to avert a prolonged health crisis.