15 Days or Chaos! Health Workers Threaten To Ground Nigeria’s Medical System

According to NIVONEWS, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a nationwide seven-day warning strike if their longstanding demands are not addressed. The resolution came after an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), held on July 10, 2025, from its headquarters in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a communique jointly signed by the National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, Dr. T.A. Shettima, NANNM expressed deep dissatisfaction with a recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) regarding allowances for health workers, describing it as discriminatory and inadequate. The ultimatum is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 14.

According to NIVONEWS, the NEC noted that critical issues raised by the union — including the implementation of a 2012 court ruling, the gazetting of the updated scheme of service approved since 2016, the employment of more nursing staff, and recognition of nurses as consultants — have been neglected. Other grievances include the creation of a Nursing Department within the Federal Ministry of Health and equal representation on policymaking bodies.

“If after 15 days we see no concrete response, nurses and midwives across the country will down tools for a one-week warning strike,” Mamman warned. He urged the government to reopen dialogue and take decisive action, stressing that the welfare of nurses cannot continue to be ignored.

The NEC emphasized that while nurses remain committed to public health delivery, the current state of injustice and poor working conditions is unsustainable. The union appealed to the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the Federal Ministry of Health to intervene swiftly to avert a strike that could cripple the nation’s fragile health system.

Mamman further clarified that the nurses’ ultimatum is separate from any action taken by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), noting that the concerns of nurses are unique and long-standing. According to NIVONEWS, he criticized the government’s failure to act on favorable court judgments and past agreements, adding, “We have used every administrative channel — letters, reminders, and dialogue — but nothing changes.”

Highlighting disparities, Mamman pointed to the Technical Aid Corps programme, where Nigerian doctors deployed abroad earn up to ₦3 million monthly, while nurses in Nigeria continue to be underpaid and undervalued. He argued that this imbalance is fueling the mass exodus of skilled nurses to other countries.

“Nursing has a recognized consultancy cadre, but it remains unimplemented. That’s unacceptable. We’re demanding recognition and implementation, not new privileges. And if nothing is done by the end of the notice, we will withdraw our services,” Mamman said.

According to NIVONEWS, the union insists that its demands are rooted in previously signed agreements and court decisions. Mamman concluded by saying the association remains open to meaningful dialogue, but only if the government is willing to back words with action.

”NIVONEWS REPORTS”