Following failed negotiations with the federal government, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) begins a national strike on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, hence preparing the Nigerian healthcare system for significant disruption.
A major flashpoint in Nigeria’s public health system is the failure of negotiations meant to address ongoing complaints about nurses’ well-being and working circumstances.
Gathering delegates from major government departments including the Ministry of Health, the Budget Office, the Office of the AccountantGeneral, and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, the conference was called by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
But some claim that the lack of important decisionmakers like the Head of the Civil Service and the Minister of Health hindered progress.
NANNM representatives maintained no true consensus was achieved even though their demands were rigorously reviewed. According to a statement from Chidi Aligwe from the national secretariat, the union said its sevenday warning strike will commence as planned.
Many of which are already fighting staff shortages; public hospitals, primary health centers, and other governmental healthcare institutions are likely to be affected by the strike.
The union argues that this action is necessitated by years of government inaction on significant issues, including the execution of the amended Nurses Scheme of Service approved in 2016 and the enforcement of a National Industrial Court decision given in January 2012.
Among other important demands are better equipment in public hospitals, hiring of more nurses, review of professional allowances, and creation of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, NANNM is supporting greater involvement of nurses in leadership roles and health policy development, equal board representation on federal health agencies, central posting for nursing interns, and the institutionalizing of advisory roles for senior nurses and midwives.
The government has pledged to meet once more with all relevant parties even if the meeting ends without a resolution.
Still, NANNM has told its members across the country to completely follow the strike order, arguing that the moment for symbolic gestures is passed and that major action is needed to preserve Nigeria’s nursing population integrity and morale.
This most recent occurrence raises serious concerns on patient care and emergency services across the country. Furthermore highlighting the requirement of quick and decisive action by government officials to overcome impasse and avoid a prolonged healthcare system catastrophe.
