Nurses in federal hospitals down tools over welfare demands

Nigerian nurses working in federal health institutions have started a seven-day warning strike, despite the Federal Government’s appeals for them not to go ahead with it.

The strike is being led by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI).

The union said the strike became necessary because the government failed to respond to their demands after a 15-day notice was issued on July 14, 2025.

According to the union’s national chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, the government did not engage in any meaningful discussion during the time given.

“As far as we are concerned, we haven’t heard anything from the government. That’s why the strike is going on and won’t stop,” Rilwan said. “Even if the government calls now, it won’t change anything. They had enough time to act.”

The nurses are asking for better shift allowances, uniform allowances, a new salary structure specifically for nurses, increased core duty allowances, more nurses to be hired, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Rilwan explained that the decision to strike did not come from the union leadership alone, but from the nurses themselves, who are frustrated after being ignored for a long time.

He also said the nurses are not afraid of the government’s usual warning about withholding pay during strikes. They are ready to make that sacrifice.

“This strike was not led by the union leaders; it was the nurses themselves who demanded it,” he said. “They are not worried about losing their pay, because what they earn now is not enough. They are ready to give it up to continue this strike.”

The strike is expected to end on August 5, 2025.