Patients wait, nurses walk out as calls for reform echo nationwide

Nigerian nurses, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are on strike across the country. The strike began after the government failed to respond to a 15-day notice given by the union.

The nurses are demanding better working conditions, including higher pay, improved allowances, official recognition of their roles, more hiring of nurses, and the creation of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

The strike has disrupted services in many hospitals, especially federal health institutions, leaving many patients without care.

The union’s president, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, said the nurses do not enjoy going on strike but were forced to take this step after being ignored for too long. He made it clear that the strike will continue until the government shows serious commitment to their demands.

The Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has asked the nurses to suspend the strike and return to talks, promising that the government is working on the issues.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday to try to reach an agreement.