The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) on Wednesday commenced a seven-day warning strike, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unresolved welfare issues.
The industrial action, which began despite appeals from the Federal Government, is scheduled to end on August 5, 2025.
NANNM-FHI had issued the ultimatum on July 14, 2025, demanding improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across federal health institutions. However, the union said the government failed to engage with it meaningfully during the period 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,” the union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, said on Tuesday.
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 establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan clarified that the decision to strike was driven by union members, citing widespread frustration over what he described as longstanding government neglect.
“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,” he stated.
He added that the nurses are prepared to face the consequences of the Federal Government’s usual “no work, no pay” stance and are ready to make the necessary sacrifices to press home their demands.
