The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has commenced a seven-day warning strike, effective from midnight Tuesday, July 29, over the federal government’s failure to meet longstanding demands.
The industrial action follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, after a circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) suspended recently approved, yet controversial, health sector allowances.
In compliance with the directive, NANNM members nationwide have withdrawn their services, a move expected to significantly disrupt healthcare delivery across the country, where nurses and midwives account for nearly 60% of the health workforce.
Key Demands
NANNM’s demands include:
Gazetting of the approved nurses’ scheme of service by the National Council on Establishments (NCE) since 2016
Implementation of the 2012 National Industrial Court judgment in favour of nurses
Upward review of professional allowances for nurses and midwives
Mass recruitment of nursing personnel
Improved healthcare infrastructure
Additional demands include:
Creation of a Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health
Inclusion of nurses in top-level policy and decision-making bodies
Fair representation on the governing boards of federal health institutions
Centralised posting of intern nurses through a structured national pool
Granting of consultancy status to qualified nurses and midwives
Potential Impact
The strike is expected to paralyse healthcare operations, particularly in public hospitals and primary health centres, where nurses play a central role in patient care.
NANNM says the strike will last for seven days in the first instance, pending government response.
