FG, Nurses Negotiation End In Deadlock As Nationwide Strike Begins Wednesday

Nigerian nurses will commence a nationwide strike today to demand improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses.

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) said the strike action became necessary after a 15-day ultimatum, issued on 14 July, expired without a meaningful response from the federal government or Federal Ministry of Health.

The meeting, chaired by Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of Labour and Employment included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Budget Office, and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

Despite what the association described as a “critical analysis” of the nurses’ demands, the meeting adjourned without a resolution. NANNM said the absence of key officials, including the Minister of Health and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, contributed to the failure to secure commitments on issues of pay disparity, staffing shortages, improved hazard allowances, and career progression.

The association, however directed all its members nationwide to ensure “total compliance” with the industrial action.

The strike is expected to affect public hospitals and primary healthcare centres already stretched by staffing challenges.