In a dramatic escalation of tension between healthcare professionals and the Nigerian government, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has declared that it will proceed with its planned nationwide strike starting tomorrow, citing the federal government’s consistent failure to address their longstanding demands.
The announcement, made late Tuesday evening, comes after weeks of unresolved negotiations, failed meetings, and what the union describes as “total government neglect.” Despite multiple warnings and a seven-day ultimatum issued last week, no concrete steps have been taken by the authorities to meet the nurses’ demands or open meaningful dialogue.
According to NANNM officials, the strike will affect all public hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the federation. This includes federal teaching hospitals, state general hospitals, and primary healthcare facilities. Thousands of nurses and midwives are expected to down tools, disrupting critical health services such as maternal care, emergency treatment, and pediatric support.
Key Demands of the Nurses Include:
- Full implementation of the new salary structure for nurses and midwives
- Improved working conditions and safer hospital environments
- Timely promotions and payment of backlog arrears
- Reversal of policies that they say marginalize nurses in career advancement
- Adequate staffing and reduction of excessive workloads
In a press briefing earlier today, NANNM President, Michael Nnachi, said:
“We have been patient for far too long. Nurses in Nigeria are exhausted, underpaid, overworked, and undervalued. Despite our pivotal role in healthcare delivery, the government continues to ignore our cries for fairness. This strike is not just about salaries—it is about dignity, equity, and respect for the nursing profession.”
He added that while nurses recognize the importance of their role in saving lives, the government’s disregard for their welfare has made it impossible for them to continue working under the current conditions.
The union had earlier submitted a comprehensive memorandum to both the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Assembly, but no official response or offer was made, further angering the union’s leadership.
Public Reaction and Consequences
Healthcare analysts are already warning that the strike could have devastating consequences for patients, especially in rural and underserved areas where nurses are often the only available healthcare workers. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are expected to be the most affected by the disruption of essential services.
Several Nigerians have taken to social media to voice both support and concern. While many empathize with the nurses and their plight, others are worried about the timing and humanitarian impact of the industrial action.
“This is a wake-up call to the government. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Ignoring them puts every Nigerian at risk,” tweeted a public health advocate.
Hospital administrators across the country have begun bracing for impact, with some state health ministries instructing doctors and remaining staff to be on standby to fill critical gaps, though insiders admit it will be nearly impossible to maintain normal service levels without the nurses.
Government Silence Raises Questions
As of press time, neither the Ministry of Health nor any presidential spokesperson has publicly responded to the nurses’ strike notice. The silence from the federal government has further fueled speculation that there may be no immediate plan to avert the strike or engage with the union.
In contrast to President Tinubu’s recent vow that industrial strikes in the education sector must become a thing of the past, the apparent lack of urgency in dealing with this looming healthcare crisis has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and labour unions.
What’s Next?
NANNM leadership has confirmed that the strike will remain indefinite until all demands are met. They have, however, expressed willingness to return to the negotiating table—provided the government shows good faith and seriousness in resolving the issues.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed solidarity with the nurses, and sources indicate it may call for a broader health-sector-wide protest if the situation is not addressed quickly.
With the strike set to begin in just hours, the nation’s healthcare system faces one of its most serious disruptions in recent years. As the countdown begins, Nigerians hold their breath, hoping for a last-minute intervention that could prevent further suffering in a sector already under immense pressure.
0 Comments