Breaking: Nationwide Shutdown of Hospitals Looming as Nurses Begin 7-Day Warning Strike
- Nigerian nurses under NANNM begin a 7-day nationwide warning strike over unmet welfare demands and poor working conditions
- The strike, effective from July 26, affects all federal health institutions with no allowance for skeletal services
- The union warns of wider consequences and threatens a longer strike if the government fails to act urgently
The fortunes of Nigeria’s healthcare sector are again at risk as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has announced a 7-day nationwide warning strike.
The strike, which takes effect from midnight on Tuesday, July 26, will affect all federal health institutions, including Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres across the country.
Source: Twitter
In a circular addressed to chairmen and secretaries of Federal Health Institutions, the union directed its members to completely withdraw their services, warning that no skeletal operations should be conducted during the strike.
Health union: Strike decision follows expired ultimatum
The decision to down tools followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on Monday, July 14.
NANNM said the warning strike was approved at an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the National Hospital, Abuja, on 10th July.
According to the circular signed by the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Enya Agatha Osinachi,
“This is as a result of failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria/Federal Ministry of Health to take proactive measures to address our concerns and avert this industrial action despite the 15-day ultimatum.”
She added,
“This strike action is total and there should not be any skeletal nursing services in any of the Federal health institutions across the country. Thank you in anticipation as we expect full compliance from all members.”
Allowances review sparks outrage among nurses
Earlier in July, the National Chairman of NANNM, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, had expressed strong dissatisfaction over the recent review of allowances for nurses.
He noted that the changes failed to reflect the welfare needs of nurses, particularly those working under challenging conditions.
“The allowances for night shifts and weekend duties remain grossly inadequate. Nurses sacrifice their time, health, and family life to serve the nation and deserve better treatment,” Rilwan stated.
He further criticised the insufficient call duty allowances, saying nurses are often forced to respond to emergencies with no adequate compensation or support.
Union demands reforms in federal health structure
Among the key demands of the association is the creation of a separate department of nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health, a move they argue will help centralise and prioritise their concerns.
Other demands include:
- An upward review of shift duty and specialist allowances
- Safer and more conducive work environments
- Better hospital equipment to discourage medical tourism
- Recognition of the critical roles nurses play in emergency and maternal care
- Strike threatens essential services, may cost lives
With nurses forming nearly 60 percent of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, the strike is expected to have far-reaching consequences.
Many fear that emergency care, surgeries, maternity services, and chronic illness management will grind to a halt.
HEath expert send warnings
Healthcare experts warn that patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), neonatal wards, and emergency departments may face dire consequences due to the total shutdown.
“This is not just a strike; it is a national health emergency in the making,” said a senior doctor at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital who pleaded anonymity.
The union has maintained that the current action is only a warning. If the Federal Government fails to act promptly, a more extended and indefinite strike may follow.
“We are not against the government. We only want what is fair, and we will continue to speak up until our members are treated with the dignity they deserve," said Comrade Osinachi.
Source: Legit.ng
