The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions sector (NANNM-FHI) has issued a 7-day notice to the Federal Government, demanding improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across the country.
The notice, signed by National Secretary Nurse Enya Osinachi and released by National President Nurse Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, followed an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on July 10 in Abuja.
According to the association, the action was prompted by the Federal Government’s failure to respond meaningfully to a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“The strike, starting from 12 midnight on Tuesday, July 29, will involve total service withdrawal across all Federal health institutions,” the notice stated.
“Nurses nationwide have been asked to comply fully and stand in solidarity.”
NANNM-FHI emphasized that its members play a critical role in healthcare delivery, contributing an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of services in hospitals, and therefore deserve better welfare, fair treatment, and recognition for their indispensable services.
Key Demands and Rejections
The association rejected a circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on June 27, describing it as detrimental to the profession. It called for the immediate reversal of the circular and demanded upward adjustments to allowances, including:
Shift allowance
Call duty allowance
Hazard allowance
Retention allowance
NANNM-FHI stressed that a motivated and well-supported nursing workforce is essential for quality healthcare delivery and public health outcomes in all federal medical institutions.
Call for Government Engagement
The association urged the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Health to engage constructively and urgently on these issues to avoid a disruption of services.
“We are open to proactive dialogue, but we can no longer tolerate neglect. Nurses deserve to work under conditions that respect their dignity and contribution to national health,” the statement concluded.
If no concrete steps are taken before the expiration of the 7-day notice, the association said it would proceed with the planned industrial action, which could significantly affect healthcare services nationwide.
