Hospitals across Nigeria could grind to a halt this week as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) prepares to launch a seven-day warning strike starting midnight, Tuesday, July 29.
The walkout follows the federal government’s failure to address longstanding grievances — a move the union says leaves them with “no other option.”
A circular obtained by SaharaReporters reveals that the union’s national leadership has directed all state councils to mobilize their members, with final preparations scheduled for Monday, July 28.
The strike will go ahead if the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare fails to meet the association’s demands before the ultimatum expires.
Signed by top executives including 2nd National Vice President Orolu Sesan and Deputy General Secretary Elder Otaru Daniel Shaibu, the directive is unequivocal:
“Be reminded that the ultimatum expires at 12:00 midnight, Tuesday 29th July, 2025… Kindly accord this message the importance it deserves.”
Mounting Tensions in the Health Sector
The strike threat stems from what the union calls a dismissive and lopsided response to their concerns.
Following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on July 10, NANNM issued a 15-day ultimatum, triggered by a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) that proposed revised allowances for health workers.
Union leaders described the proposal as “discriminatory and inadequate,” insisting it downplays the vital role of nurses and midwives who have kept the country’s healthcare system afloat under immense pressure.
“The circular failed to recognize the sacrifices made by our members. It is not just disappointing — it’s unacceptable,” said NANNM President Haruna Mamman in a joint communique with General Secretary Dr. T.A. Shettima.
