On August 2, 2025, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) suspended its seven-day warning strike after productive talks with the Nigerian government. Launched on July 30, 2025, the strike disrupted public hospitals nationwide, leaving patients without critical care.
Deal Secures Progress
Negotiations with officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Labour and Employment led to the strike’s suspension. NANNM stated the government committed to specific timelines for addressing key demands, with the union promising to ensure follow-through.
Had the talks failed, nurses were prepared to launch an indefinite strike. The agreement protects participating nurses from any penalties.
Reasons for the Strike
Impacting 74 federal health facilities, the strike followed a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025. Nurses called for:
- Better wages and unpaid allowances.
- Increased staffing, as over 42,000 nurses have left Nigeria for foreign jobs in three years.
- Safer work environments with upgraded equipment.
- Establishment of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Places like Federal Medical Centre in Abuja saw deserted wards, underscoring Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.
Persistent Healthcare Issues
Nigeria’s public hospitals face frequent strikes due to chronic underfunding and staff shortages. Many medical professionals seek better opportunities abroad, deepening the crisis. While the agreement offers hope, NANNM stressed that full implementation is essential to prevent future strikes.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
