Nigerian Nurses to Embark on 7-Day Nationwide Warning Strike Over Unmet Demands—Soltrenx News

 The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has declared a seven-day warning strike beginning midnight, July 29, in protest against the federal government’s failure to address long-standing issues affecting the nursing profession.

This industrial action follows a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, during which the association warned of looming disruptions if no progress was made. Speaking to the press, Jama Medan, Chairman of NANNM in the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed that the union is mobilizing members across all tiers of the healthcare system.

“We will embark on a seven-day warning strike starting midnight on July 29. After the strike, if the federal government still does not respond to us, we will then decide the next line of action,” Medan said.

The association listed several unresolved demands, including: 

• Gazetting of the approved Nurses Scheme of Service (endorsed by the National Council on Establishments since 2016 in Minna, Niger State).

• Implementation of a National Industrial Court judgment delivered on January 27, 2012.

• Review and upward adjustment of professional allowances for nurses and midwives.

• Recruitment of additional nursing staff to address workforce shortages.

• Improved medical equipment and facility upgrades across healthcare institutions.

Additionally, NANNM is calling for:

• The creation of a Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.

• Greater representation of nurses in healthcare policymaking and on the boards of federal health institutions.

• A centralized internship placement system for graduate nurses.

• Recognition of nurses and midwives as consultants, aligning with global best practices.

The union has also rejected a recently released circular on revised health workers' allowances, calling it “grossly inadequate and discriminatory.”

In a public advisory shared on NANNM’s official social media channels, the association alerted Nigerians to prepare for disruptions in health service delivery at all federal and state-owned facilities nationwide.

“All government-owned health facilities across the nation will be affected. The federal government has refused to improve the healthcare sector by addressing our demands,” the statement read.

The looming strike is expected to significantly impact healthcare services if the federal government does not take urgent action. The NANNM leadership has warned that further inaction may lead to an indefinite industrial action after the warning period lapses.