Hospitals Brace for Disruptions as Nurses Begin Strike in Nigeria.
Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have declared that their seven-day warning strike will proceed as planned on Wednesday, regardless of any last-minute negotiations with the government.
The union had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 14, 2025, demanding urgent intervention to avert a total healthcare shutdown. Their grievances include the upward review of shift allowances, uniform allowance adjustments, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
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However, with no response from the government after the deadline lapsed, the nurses have resolved to proceed with industrial action.
“No Last-Minute Talks Will Stop Us”
In an interview, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the government had ample time to engage the union but failed to act.
“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,” Rilwan said. “Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time—15 days—to call us for negotiations. Their inaction shows they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses.”
Rilwan explained that nurses had endured decades of poor working conditions, including inadequate protective equipment and stagnant allowances, without resorting to strikes.
“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. “We gave them 15 days’ notice. Maybe they assumed we wouldn’t follow through, but they are wrong.”
The union leader emphasized that the strike was driven by frustrated members, not just the leadership, and that nurses were prepared to face repercussions, including withheld salaries.
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership; it was initiated by the members who are tired of neglect,” Rilwan said. “They are not even worried about ‘no work, no pay’ because their current earnings are insufficient. They are ready to sacrifice.”
If the government fails to respond after the seven-day warning strike, the union plans to issue a 21-day ultimatum—as required by labour laws—before escalating to an indefinite strike.
“If the 21 days elapse without a reasonable response, we will embark on a total and indefinite strike,” Rilwan warned.
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Addressing reports of possible non-participation by some hospitals, Rilwan clarified that only institutions without active NANNM-FHI membership, such as the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, would not join the strike.
“Nobody is pulling out. The affected hospitals opted out of our association three years ago, so they are not legally covered to participate. All other federal health institutions nationwide, including those in Lagos and Abuja, will join the strike,” he said.
As the strike begins, patients across federal hospitals may face significant disruptions, raising concerns about a potential healthcare crisis if the deadlock persists.
Hospitals Brace for Disruptions as Nurses Begin Strike in Nigeria.
