‘No going back’: Nurses begin nationwide strike Wednesday
Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions Sector are gearing up for a seven-day warning strike starting Wednesday, with union members firm in their commitment to proceed, regardless of any government negotiations.
Morakinyo Rilwan, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, voiced his frustration during an interview on Tuesday, 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.”
On July 14, 2025, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, seeking immediate action to prevent a total healthcare shutdown. Among their key demands are increased shift allowances, uniform allowance adjustments, a separate salary structure for nurses, enhanced core duty allowances, mass employment, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan emphasized, “Fifteen days is enough for them to call us for negotiations. It is because they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses.” He highlighted the discontent among nurses over poor working conditions, stating that they have endured significant challenges for over four decades.
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members,” Rilwan asserted, noting that many are prepared to face consequences, including “no work, no pay.” He added that nurses are willing to make these sacrifices for the sake of better working conditions.
After the initial seven-day warning strike, Rilwan indicated that if no satisfactory agreement is reached, the nurses would issue another 21-day ultimatum before taking steps toward an indefinite strike. “If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” he warned.
Addressing concerns regarding participation, Rilwan clarified, “Nobody is pulling out. Only institutions that are not financial members of the association will not participate. Other hospitals in Lagos and surrounding states are joining the strike.”
Source: PUNCH
