Nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI) have kicked off a seven-day warning strike today, snubbing appeals by the Federal Government.
The strike, which began at midnight, follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025.
The nurses are demanding improved welfare, fairer allowances, and better working conditions across federal hospitals.
Speaking on Tuesday, the association’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the government failed to engage with them during the window they provided.
“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.
Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan said.
The nurses are calling for a review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses, higher core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nursing staff, and a separate nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan made it clear that the decision to go on strike was driven by a groundswell of frustration among members who felt ignored for too long.
He said, “This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want.
They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready—because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”
Rilwan also dismissed threats of a “no work, no pay” policy, saying many nurses are willing to forgo their wages if that’s what it takes to be heard.
For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike,” he said.
He said the strike is expected to last until August 5, stressing that if nothing changes by then, the union will issue another 21-day ultimatum before moving to a full-blown 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,” Rilwan warned.
He also addressed reports that some hospitals may not join the strike, explaining that only institutions no longer affiliated with the union are exempt.
Nobody is pulling out. Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, have not been part of our association for the past three years due to some internal issues.
“They are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association.
Other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike,” the NANNM-FHI National Chairman said.
