The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a nationwide seven-day warning strike if their longstanding demands are not addressed.
The resolution followed an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), held virtually on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from the NANNM National Secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting was convened in response to a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning the review of allowances for health workers.
In a communique jointly signed by National President Haruna Mamman and General Secretary Dr. T.A. Shettima, the association announced that the ultimatum would take effect from Monday, July 14.
NANNM described the circular as disappointing, inadequate, and discriminatory, arguing that it failed to reflect the vital roles and sacrifices made by nurses and midwives in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Following the communique issued after the meeting, Mamman said the NEC condemned the circular and expressed deep concern that several of the association’s demands, previously presented to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, have yet to be addressed.
National Council on Establishments in 2016, implementation of a 2012 National Industrial Court judgment, an upward review of professional allowances, and the employment of more nursing personnel.
Other demands, according to the Communique are the creation of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health, inclusion of nurses in key policy-making roles, fair representation on boards of federal health institutions, centralized posting of graduate nurses for internships, and recognition of consultancy roles for nurses and midwives.
“If the Federal Government fails to provide concrete and satisfactory responses within that period, nurses and midwives across the country will commence a one-week warning strike immediately after the deadline.
“NANNM called on the government to immediately revisit the controversial circular, engage in constructive dialogue with the association, and implement lasting solutions to the challenges facing the profession,” he said.
While reaffirming their commitment to providing quality healthcare, the NEC emphasized that nurses and midwives cannot continue to deliver such services under conditions of poor welfare, injustice, and neglect.
The association urged the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Assembly, and the general public to intervene to prevent the looming industrial action, which could further strain Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
(The Nation)
