Nurses embark on 7-day strike in Nigeria

National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector, NANNM-FHI, on Wednesday commenced a seven-day warning strike despite appeals by the Federal Government against proceeding with the action.

The union said the strike became necessary following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July, 2025, demanding improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across federal health institutions.

Speaking on Tuesday, national chairman of the union, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the Federal Government failed to engage meaningfully with the association during the window provided.

“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 noted.

The nurses’ demands include the upward review of shift allowance, adjustment of uniform allowance, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to Rilwan, the decision to embark on strike was not unilaterally taken by the union’s leadership, but driven by a groundswell of frustration among members over long-standing neglect.

He stressed that the nurses are ready for the Federal Government’s usual ‘no work, no pay’ threat and as a result, are willing to make sacrifices.

“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.

“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,” he added.

The warning strike is scheduled to end on 5th August, 2025.