The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has vowed to press on with its nationwide strike until the Federal Government shows concrete commitment to meeting its long-standing demands.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, NANNM’s National Chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, delivered a firm message: “The strike continues until the government acts decisively.”
The industrial action, now in full swing across federal health institutions, follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
Hospitals across the country are grappling with the impact, as essential healthcare services remain crippled. Patients, many in need of urgent attention, have been left stranded.
Despite mounting public pressure, the nurses’ union says it has no intention of backing down until the government addresses critical issues affecting their welfare.
Among the union’s core demands are:
Official gazetting of a revised scheme of service for nurses
Review and implementation of updated allowances, including specialty allowances
Increased recruitment of nurses nationwide
Improved remuneration and working conditions
Creation of a dedicated department for nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health
Morakinyo confirmed that even after a high-level meeting with Minister of Labour Muhammadu Dingyadi on Tuesday, the lack of progress forced the union to proceed with the planned seven-day warning strike.
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“We are not being unreasonable,” she said. “We gave the government time, we showed patience, and even compassion. But our voices have gone unheard. We don’t want to strike – it’s against our nature as caregivers. But when pushed to the wall, this becomes our only option.”
The dissatisfaction runs deep. Many nurses argue that the current ₦20,000 annual uniform allowance is inadequate and symbolic of a broader systemic neglect.
Other states, such as Kwara, have fully joined the nationwide action, signaling unified frustration across the sector.
Minister Dingyadi, in a statement on Wednesday, appealed to the nurses to call off the strike and return to the negotiation table.
He assured them that the government remains open to resolving the impasse through dialogue.
Talks are expected to resume Friday at the Federal Ministry of Health, but for now, the strike remains in full effect, with nurses standing firm and waiting for more than just promises.
“We’ll return to work only when tangible steps are taken,” Morakinyo reiterated.
For now, Nigeria’s healthcare system braces for continued disruption as one of its most vital workforces fights for recognition and reform.