The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) on Wednesday commenced a seven-day warning strike, defying appeals by the Federal Government to shelve the industrial action.
The strike followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025, in which the union demanded improved welfare packages, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses in federal health institutions.
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Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the strike, NANNM-FHI National Chairman, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, said the Federal Government failed to make any meaningful engagement within the period of notice.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government. 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,” he stated.
The union’s demands include an upward review of shift allowances, adjustment of uniform allowance, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated department for nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan clarified that the strike action was driven by widespread frustration among members rather than a top-down decision by union leadership.
“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 the ‘no work, no pay’ policy because they are ready to sacrifice. The salaries they receive are not even enough,” he said.
The warning strike is scheduled to last until August 5, 2025.
