Nurses under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions Sector have vowed to proceed with their planned seven-day warning strike starting Wednesday, insisting that no last-minute call from the government will stop the industrial action.

The nurses, who had earlier issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 14, 2025, said the government failed to respond to their demands, despite the ample time given.

Speaking in an interview with the Punch on Tuesday, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the strike is the outcome of years of neglect and frustration by members over poor working conditions and unmet promises.

Rilwan said, “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.

“Fifteen days is enough for them to call us for negotiations. It is because they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses. That’s why they allowed 15 good days to elapse.”

The Association’s demands

Among the demands presented by the union are the upward review of shift allowance, uniform allowance adjustment, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Rilwan added that the strike was not an executive decision, but one driven by the will of the nurses who had endured poor conditions for decades.

“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.

“And we gave them 15 days’ notice. Maybe they are looking at it that these people have not gone on strike for a very long time, so they are not going to go on strike. But they are wrong,” he said.

Members included

According to him, the members are fully aware of possible consequences, including loss of pay, but remain determined to push ahead.

He said, “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.

“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.

“They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”

Further strike looms

Rilwan also stated that if, after the seven-day warning strike, the government fails to act, the union would proceed to issue another 21-day ultimatum as stipulated by labour law before embarking on an indefinite industrial action.

“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.

No financial association is left out

On reports that some hospitals may not be part of the action, Rilwan clarified that only institutions with no financial ties to the association are exempted.

“Nobody is pulling out. Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, have not been part of our association because of some issues.

“They have opted out of the association for the past three years, so they are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association.

“Other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike,” he said.