Nurses to commence 7-day strike today, doctors give FG another 21 days

Nurses, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), will today (Tuesday) embark on a seven-day warning strike. According to NANNM, the decision follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the federal government over improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses. A notice signed by […]

Nurses, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), will today (Tuesday) embark on a seven-day warning strike.

According to NANNM, the decision follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the federal government over improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses.

A notice signed by its National Secretary, Enya Osinachi and released by its President, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, said the decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting held on July 10 in Abuja.

NANNM-Federal Health Institutions (FHI) sector noted that the strike was intended to force proactive dialogue on critical issues affecting nurses nationwide.

“The strike, starting at 12 on Tuesday, July 29, will involve total service withdrawal across all federal health institutions,” the notice stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has temporarily suspended its proposed strike.

This was as the association gave the government another 21 days to address the issues in contention.

This came after a series of meetings convened at the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier handed down to the government.

On July 2, the NMA had warned that it might shut down medical services across the country if the federal government failed to address its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum on Wednesday, July 23.

NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, issued the warning, stating that the association was fully prepared to take decisive action if necessary.

He emphasised that the demands were essential to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.

The group expressed disappointment and condemned the circular on the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.