Nigerian Nurses Begin Strike, Vow to Continue Despite FG Pleas

Nigerian nurses have embarked on strike, insisting it will continue despite any intervention from the Federal Government.

Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have confirmed that their planned seven-day warning strike will commence on Wednesday, vowing not to suspend the action even if the Federal Government calls for negotiations.

National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said in an interview on Tuesday that the government ignored the 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025, to meet their demands.

The nurses are demanding an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a separate salary structure, an increase in core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.

“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” Rilwan said.

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He emphasized that the strike is member-driven, reflecting years of frustration with poor working conditions and lack of basic medical supplies.

“For over 40 years, we have been patient. They subjected us to working without gloves or equipment, and we have never gone on strike. But members are now tired and ready to face ‘no work, no pay,’” he added.

The nurses warned that if no agreement is reached after the seven-day strike, they will issue another 21-day ultimatum before proceeding on a total and indefinite strike, in line with labour laws.

Rilwan clarified that the strike excludes only federal health institutions that are not financial members of the association, such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and FMC Ebute-Metta. All other hospitals in Lagos, states, and the FCT will participate.