NANNM‑FHI nurses commence seven‑day warning strike today, Wednesday, July 30, across all federal health institutions in Nigeria. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM‑FHI) announced the action after the federal government failed to meet their demands following a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.

📣 Why Nurses Are Taking Action

Union Chairman Morakinyo Rilwan explained that essential negotiations have stalled. Nurses have demanded improvements in welfare including shift and uniform allowances, a distinct salary structure, increased core duty pay, mass recruitment, and a dedicated Nursing Department at the Ministry of Health. The strike is non-negotiable—even if the government reaches out now, the union says they won’t call it off.

🩺 What Patients and Hospitals Are Experiencing

From midnight on July 29, nurses downed tools across federal hospitals, forcing many facilities—including those in Abuja—to discharge patients or scale back services due to staff shortages. The strike is expected to last until August 5, after which a further 21-day ultimatum could escalate the action into an indefinite strike.

Former Senator Shehu Sani warned that Nigeria risks losing even more nurses to foreign shores if conditions don’t improve—over 42,000 have emigrated in recent years. With public hospitals already understaffed, he urged the government to act fast or face a broader health crisis.