Nurses in Federal Health Institutions begin Seven-Day warning strike

Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have initiated a seven-day warning strike starting today, despite appeals from the Federal Government.

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

According to Morakinyo Rilwan, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, the Federal Government failed to engage meaningfully with the union during the allotted window, prompting the industrial action.

Rilwan emphasized that the strike would continue regardless of any government intervention, stating, “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.”

The nurses’ demands include an upward review of shift allowances, an adjustment of uniform allowances, the implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Rilwan further explained that the decision to strike was not initiated by the union’s leadership but stemmed from the widespread frustration among members over long-standing neglect. “This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members,” he said, adding that they were prepared to sacrifice their pay as they continue to protest the lack of adequate compensation and working conditions.

The warning strike is set to conclude on August 5, 2025. However, the union has warned that if the government fails to respond, it will issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum and may proceed with an indefinite strike.

Rilwan also addressed concerns about hospitals opting out of the strike, clarifying that only institutions not financially affiliated with the union were exempt, such as the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

The union’s leadership remains firm in its resolve, emphasizing that if their demands are not met, a total and indefinite strike will follow.