Healthcare services in federal teaching and specialist hospitals, as well as primary health centers across Nigeria, have been severely disrupted as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) initiated a 7-day warning strike. This action is in response to the government’s failure to address welfare demands, including allowances and working conditions.
Emergency and critical care services have been unavailable as nurses withdraw their services in compliance with the association’s directive. NANNM National Secretary, Comrade Enya Agatha Osinachi, confirmed full compliance nationwide, stating that there are no skeletal services being offered.
The strike commenced after a 15-day notice to the government, which was not heeded. Key demands include the gazetting of a nurses’ scheme of service approved in 2016, the implementation of a 2012 National Industrial Arbitration Court judgment, and a review of professional allowances. They are also calling for the employment of more nursing personnel and better health facility equipment.
The Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has appealed to the nurses to suspend the strike, emphasizing dialogue as a solution to industrial disputes. Ongoing discussions with the association are set to continue as the government seeks to resolve the issues at hand. If demands are not met by August 5, 2025, NANNM has threatened to escalate the strike to an indefinite action.
