THE National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has declared a seven-day nationwide strike.
The action will begin at noon on Tuesday, July 29, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by NANNM to the Federal Government.
The association said the strike would involve a total withdrawal of services across all federal health institutions.
The action, it said, was in response to the government’s failure to address longstanding demands for improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses and midwives.
The notice, signed by NANNM’s National Secretary, Enya Osinachi, and issued by its President, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, followed an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on July 10 in Abuja.
According to the association, the strike became necessary after the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Health failed to respond meaningfully to its July 14 ultimatum.
It said the decision was aimed at drawing urgent attention to the critical issues affecting nurses nationwide.
“The strike, starting at 12 on Tuesday, July 29, will involve total service withdrawal across all Federal health institutions.
“Nurses nationwide have been asked to comply fully and stand in solidarity,” the statement read.
The NANNM criticised a June 27 circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, rejecting its provisions and calling for its reversal. The association is also demanding upward reviews of key allowances, including shift duty, on-call, and retention bonuses.
The union reaffirmed the vital role of nurses in healthcare delivery, noting that they accounted for between 60 and 70 per cent of hospital services.
It stressed that any health system that undervalued its nursing workforce undermined the quality of care and public health outcomes.
The association called on the Federal Government to engage in constructive dialogue to avert a prolonged shutdown of federal health institutions.
Nigerian nurses and midwives have long raised concerns over poor remuneration, harsh working conditions, and the lack of recognition within the country’s healthcare system.
In recent years, a surge in emigration of Nigerian nurses to countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Saudi Arabia has worsened staffing gaps in local hospitals.
Health union have blamed the exodus on poor welfare, insecurity, and lack of career growth opportunities at home.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M