Nurses operating under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have launched a seven-day warning strike beginning today, despite repeated appeals from the Federal Government.
The industrial action, which began at midnight on July 29, 2025, follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by the association on July 14. The nurses are demanding improved welfare packages, fairer allowances, and more favorable working conditions for practitioners across federal health institutions.
NANNM-FHI’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, emphasized on Tuesday that the strike was triggered by the government’s failure to enter into meaningful negotiations 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,” he said.
Among the key demands are a revised shift allowance, an adjusted uniform allowance, the implementation of an independent salary scale for nurses, increased core duty allowances, recruitment of additional nursing personnel, and the establishment of a dedicated department for nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan noted that the decision to proceed with the strike was not a top-down directive but rather the result of growing discontent among the union’s members.
“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.
“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.”
Rilwan highlighted that the nursing profession has endured decades of neglect and hardship, saying: “For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike.”
The union confirmed that the strike is expected to end on August 5. However, should the government fail to address their grievances, NANNM-FHI will issue a new 21-day ultimatum, potentially leading to an indefinite nationwide strike.
“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” Rilwan warned.
Responding to concerns that some medical institutions might opt out of the action, Rilwan clarified that only hospitals not financially affiliated with the union are exempt.
“Nobody is pulling out. Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, have not been part of our association for the past three years due to some internal issues.
“They are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association. Other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike,” he added.
What You Should Know
The current strike action launched by NANNM-FHI highlights deep-seated frustrations within Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, especially among nurses serving in federal health institutions.
Despite not engaging in any industrial action for over 40 years, the nurses now feel compelled to act due to long-standing issues of poor remuneration, inadequate staffing, and substandard working conditions.
Their demands go beyond monetary compensation—they seek structural reforms such as dedicated representation in the health ministry and better recognition for their vital roles. If left unresolved, the strike may escalate into an indefinite nationwide shutdown, potentially crippling healthcare delivery in the country’s federal institutions.
