Over 25,000 nurses and midwives in federal health institutions across Nigeria have begun a seven-day warning strike over poor welfare and working conditions.
The strike, led by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), affects 74 federal hospitals and all public healthcare centres nationwide. Private hospitals are not involved.
NANNM-FHI Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the strike follows a 15-day ultimatum ignored by the federal government. He described the action as a total shutdown, with no services—including emergencies—available.
Key demands include better pay, recruitment of more nurses, implementation of an existing court ruling, and inclusion in policy-making roles.
Rilwan noted that this is the first solo nurses’ strike in over 40 years. If the government fails to respond after this warning strike, a full indefinite strike may follow.
