By Nafisat Makinde
The Nigerian healthcare system faces a severe crisis as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) embarks on a nationwide strike. The strike, effective July 30, 2025, is a result of the Federal Government’s failure to meet the nurses’ demands for improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions.
Morakinyo Rilwan, NANNM Chairman, Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI), confirms the strike will involve a total withdrawal of services across all federal health institutions. “The 15-day ultimatum ends by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at midnight, and the warning strike commences on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.”
Rilwan further explains that the strike affects 74 federal hospitals, including teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, specialist hospitals, general hospitals, and primary healthcare centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as 774 local government areas.
The nurses’ demands include gazetting of the Nurses Scheme of Service approved by the NCE in 2016 in Minna, Niger State, implementation of the NIC judgment dated January 27, 2012, upward review of professional allowances, employment of nursing personnel, and creation of a Nursing Department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan emphasizes the strike is driven by grassroots frustration among members. “This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want… They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready—because the money they are taking is not even enough for them.”
Rilwan also highlights the long history of neglect suffered by the nursing profession. “For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike.”
When asked about the government’s response, Rilwan replies, “As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it. Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.”
The strike has brought the healthcare system to a standstill, with patients facing significant challenges. The union warns that if the government fails to meet its demands, it will issue a fresh 21-day ultimatum, ahead of a possible indefinite strike.
