By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
HOSPITAL OPERATIONS across Nigeria’s federal health institutions face imminent shutdown as nurses under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) commence a seven-day nationwide warning strike from midnight on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
All nursing services in teaching hospitals and federal medical centres are expected to halt entirely, with no provision for skeletal operations throughout the strike period.
The decision, reached at an emergency meeting of the NANNM National Executive Council on 10 July at the National Hospital in Abuja, was communicated via circular to all federal health institutions nationwide, instructing immediate withdrawal of nursing duties.
The circular, signed by NANNM National Secretary Comrade Enya Agatha Osinachi, confirmed that the industrial action was triggered by the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing grievances despite prior notice.
The association accused the Federal Ministry of Health of neglecting proactive engagement to prevent disruption, despite receiving the ultimatum on 14 July 2025.
Earlier this month, NANNM National Chairman Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan criticised the government’s recent allowance review, saying it failed to address core welfare issues.
The association cited insufficient night and weekend shift allowances, inadequate call duty remuneration, and the lack of career incentives for specialist nurses.
It further demanded the establishment of a dedicated department of nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health, a secure and supportive work environment, and upgraded hospital infrastructure to discourage outbound medical tourism.
The strike threatens to paralyse critical hospital functions, including emergency care, surgeries, maternal and neonatal services, and chronic disease management.
With nurses comprising approximately 60 percent of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, federal hospitals risk being overwhelmed.
NANNM said this situation is exacerbated by ongoing workforce attrition, with over 75,000 nurses and midwives reportedly leaving the country since 2019 in search of better working conditions abroad.
