NANNM-FHI, the Federal Health Institutions Sector of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, launched a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday in defiance of the Federal Government’s admonitions against it.
The union claimed that the strike was required after a 15-day ultimatum that was issued on July 14, 2025, requesting better working conditions, equitable pay, and enhanced welfare for nurses across federal health facilities expired.
Speaking on Tuesday, Morakinyo Rilwan, the union’s national head, said the Federal Government did not interact with the association in a meaningful way within the allotted time.
“As far as we are aware, the government has not communicated with us as of yet. We are stating that the strike is still ongoing because of this.
“The strike won’t end even if the government calls today or tomorrow. There was ample time for them,” Rilwan said.
According to the DAILY POST, the nurses’ demands include increasing the core duty allowance, implementing a separate salary structure for nurses, adjusting the uniform allowance, reviewing shift allowance upward, creating a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health, and mass hiring nurses.
Rilwan claims that a wave of dissatisfaction among members over years of neglect prompted the union’s leadership to decide to go on strike rather than acting alone.
He emphasized that the nurses are willing to make sacrifices since they are prepared for the Federal Government’s typical “no work, no pay” threat.
“This strike was started by the members, who stated that this is what they want, not by the union’s leadership.
“They are prepared because the money they are taking is not even enough for them, and they are not even considering ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use.” As long as this strike goes on, they are willing to give up that,” he continued.
The end date of the warning strike is set for August 5, 2025.
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