Nurses Begin Warning Strike, Reject Federal Government Talks

Members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) under the Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector have commenced a seven-day warning strike starting Wednesday, firmly stating they will not suspend the industrial action even if the government initiates dialogue.

According to the National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, the association had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 14, 2025, urging immediate attention to critical issues affecting their welfare. Despite this, he noted, there was no official response.

Key demands include an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment into the profession, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Rilwan emphasized that the strike reflects deep-seated frustration after decades of neglect. “For over 40 years, we’ve endured inadequate working conditions without striking. This time, the call came from the members themselves. They are fed up,” he said.

He insisted that even a last-minute invitation from the government would not change their course, citing the administration’s failure to act within the given window. “They had 15 days. That was sufficient. They chose not to act.”

He also mentioned that the nurses are ready to bear the consequences, including the threat of ‘no work, no pay.’ “Their current earnings can barely sustain them, so they are willing to make the sacrifice if it leads to lasting reform.”

Rilwan explained that if no progress is made after the warning strike, the union will issue a 21-day final ultimatum, as mandated by labour laws, after which an indefinite strike will follow.

On concerns about possible non-participation by some institutions, he clarified that only facilities not affiliated as financial members of the association, such as FMC Ebute-Metta and LUTH, are exempt.

“All other federal hospitals across Lagos, the states, and the FCT are fully involved in the strike,” he added.