The ongoing nationwide strike by Nigerian nurses has taken a dramatic turn following claims by the federal government that the industrial action has been called off. However, leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) insist the strike remains active until their national body decides otherwise.
The Background: Why Nurses Downed Tools
On July 29, 2025, nurses across federal hospitals embarked on a seven-day warning strike after the government failed to address long-standing grievances.
These grievances include:
Reversal of a controversial June 27 circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
Upward review of allowances including shift, call duty, and uniform provisions.
Mass recruitment of nurses to replace those who have left the country in droves.
Creation of a nursing services department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Enhanced hazard allowances especially for local government-level nurses.
The union argues that poor pay, limited resources, and unsafe working conditions have forced many nurses to seek opportunities abroad, leaving hospitals understaffed and overstretched.
The Government’s Position
In a briefing on August 1, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced that the strike had been suspended after what he described as a “fruitful dialogue” with union leaders.
“We have listened, we have reached an understanding, and I am pleased to announce that the strike action has been suspended,” he said, urging nurses to return to work and restore services in hospitals nationwide.
The Union’s Rebuttal: “We’re Not Back Yet”
Barely hours after the minister’s announcement, union officials refuted the claims.
Murakiyo Olajide, National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, said: “The strike has not been called off. Only our National Executive Council (NEC) has the power to suspend it, and that meeting has not taken place.”
Omomo Tibiebi, the union’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized that any decision to suspend industrial action must go through due process, which includes a formal NEC resolution.
The NEC is scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 2, to deliberate on the government’s offers and decide whether to suspend or extend the strike.
The Impact So Far
Hospitals across Abuja, Lagos, and several states have been badly affected.
At Wuse General Hospital and National Hospital Abuja, wards were nearly empty, while outpatient services were closed.
In Lagos, hospitals like LASUTH and Alimosho operated skeletal services using locum staff, but critical units such as pediatrics remained shut.
Patients have had to endure long waits, postponed surgeries, and in some cases, self-care for basic wound dressing.
What Happens Next?
For now, Nigeria’s healthcare system remains in limbo. Patients are hoping for a quick resolution, while nurses stand firm on their demands for better pay, improved welfare, and safer working conditions.
The real decision will come from the union’s NEC meeting, where leaders will decide whether the government’s proposals are enough to end the strike.
Final Thoughts
This strike has exposed deeper cracks in Nigeria’s health sector—chronic underfunding, brain drain, and welfare issues that have plagued the system for years. Whether this week’s negotiations will mark the start of genuine reform or simply another temporary fix remains to be seen.
