Nigerian Nurses to Begin Nationwide Strike July 30

By Aremu Toyeebaht

As tensions rise in Nigeria’s embattled healthcare system, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) has announced a seven-day nationwide warning strike, beginning Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.

The strike, which the union says is the result of decades of neglect, is expected to shut down healthcare services in 74 federal health institutions, state general hospitals, and primary healthcare centres across all 774 local government areas, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking on the crisis, Morakinyo Rilwan, National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, emphasized that this action is not just about financial compensation—it is a fight for dignity, safety, and recognition.

“This is not just about salaries, it’s about survival. Nurses are the engine room of healthcare, yet we are the most ignored.”  He lamented that nurses work grueling 24-hour shifts without proper gear or compensation, “Nurses are the only professionals who work round-the-clock shifts. Night shifts are even more demanding and dangerous now due to security concerns.We are supposed to receive 30 per cent of our basic salary as shift allowance, as stated in a 2009 circular, but they’re only getting 6.8 per cent, the same as a gate man running shifts”, he said. “It’s unfair. We work the longest hours with patients, and yet they give us crumbs,”

Confirming the scale of the strike, National Public Relations Officer Omomo Tibiebi stated that the warning strike will affect all services, including emergencies.

“There will not be emergency services, the strike is total, and there will be no skeletal services. The 15-day ultimatum ends by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by midnight, and the warning strike commences on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12:01 am,” he said.