By Erewunmi Peace

Nigerian nurses under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) have commenced a seven-day warning strike, defying appeals from the Federal Government to suspend the action.

The strike began on Tuesday, July 30, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, during which the union had called for urgent reforms to address welfare concerns affecting nursing professionals across federal hospitals.

“This action is a last resort after months of unfruitful dialogue with the government,” the union said in a statement released Monday night.

Key Demands of the Nurses

The striking nurses are demanding:

A review and increase in shift duty, call duty, and uniform allowances

The establishment of a separate salary structure for nurses

Immediate recruitment of more nurses to address workforce shortages

Creation of a Nursing Directorate within the Federal Ministry of Health

Improved working conditions across federal health institutions

Government Response

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, had earlier appealed to the union to shelve the strike, promising to resume dialogue. However, union leaders criticized the government for failing to show genuine commitment during initial meetings.

“The Health Minister was absent, and we were met with silence on key matters,” a senior union official said, describing the talks as “non-serious and disappointing.”

Impact on Healthcare Services

The strike has led to disruptions in public hospitals nationwide, with outpatient services reduced and many patients turned back or unattended. Only emergency and life-saving services are being maintained by a skeletal workforce.

The union has warned that if no resolution is reached by August 5, it may escalate the action into an indefinite strike, potentially crippling public healthcare nationwide.