Nurses Begin Seven-Day Warning Strike Over Poor Welfare Despite FG Appeals

Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have commenced a seven-day warning strike, beginning today, following the Federal Government’s failure to address their welfare demands.

The strike, which began at midnight on July 30, 2025, comes after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, demanding improved working conditions, fair allowances, and welfare reforms for nurses across federal health institutions.

Speaking on Tuesday, NANNM-FHI National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, confirmed the strike action, saying that the Federal Government had not made any genuine effort to engage with the association during the ultimatum period.

“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,” said Rilwan.

The union is calling for: An upward review of shift allowance, Adjustment of uniform allowance, A separate salary structure tailored for nurses, Increase in core duty allowance, Mass employment of qualified nurses, Creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health

Rilwan emphasized that the strike action was a collective decision driven by widespread dissatisfaction among union 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 said.

He added that members were not concerned about potential consequences such as “no work, no pay.”

“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 also pointed out that nurses have endured over four decades of neglect and substandard working conditions.

“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,” he said.

The union stated that the warning strike is scheduled to end on August 5, 2025. However, if the government remains silent, NANNM-FHI plans to issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum in line with labour laws, paving the way for a potential indefinite 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.

Hospitals Exempt from the Strike

Responding to speculations about hospitals pulling out of the strike, Rilwan clarified that only institutions not financially affiliated with NANNM-FHI 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 affirmed.