The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) has reaffirmed its decision to proceed with a seven-day warning strike starting Wednesday, despite the possibility of negotiations with the Federal Government. The union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated this in an interview on Tuesday, emphasizing that the government had 15 days to respond to their demands but failed to act. According to Rilwan, the government’s inaction has left the union with no choice but to embark on the strike.
The nurses’ demands include an upward review of shift allowance, uniform allowance adjustment, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health, among others. Rilwan noted that the strike was initiated by members who had grown tired of poor working conditions, saying, “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.” The union chairman added that members were prepared to face any consequences, including “no work, no pay.”
Rilwan clarified that the strike was not initiated by the leadership of the union but by the members themselves, who are determined to have their demands met. “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. So, we don’t have any option but to allow them to exercise their rights, because they are tired,” he said. The union chairman also dismissed the possibility of calling off the strike due to potential negotiations, stating that the government had enough time to engage with them.
According to Rilwan, after the seven-day warning strike, if no reasonable agreement is reached, the union will give the government another 21-day ultimatum, as stipulated by labour law, before proceeding on an indefinite strike. “If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike,” he added. This development suggests a prolonged industrial action that could significantly impact healthcare services in the country.
In response to reports that some hospitals might not participate in the strike, Rilwan explained that only institutions without financial members of the association are excluded. He cited the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, as examples of institutions that have opted out of the association for the past three years and therefore would not be participating in the strike. However, he assured that other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, would be joining the strike.
