Nigerian Nurses Begin Nationwide Strike Over Pay and Working Conditions

Nigerian nurses have begun a seven-day nationwide strike over poor pay, unsafe working conditions, and lack of proper equipment. The action affects federal and general hospitals, but not private ones. Their demands include better allowances, safer workplaces, and a dedicated nursing department in the Health Ministry.

Healthcare workers across Nigeria commenced a seven-day strike at midnight on Tuesday, following the government's failure to address a 15-day ultimatum issued by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.

The strike is expected to result in a near-total shutdown of nursing services across the country’s federal medical centres, including teaching hospitals, specialist hospitals, and eye centres. General hospitals and primary healthcare centres are also being affected by the industrial action. However, private hospitals remain fully operational and are not impacted by the walkout.

Earlier this month, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, which represents approximately 25,000 members, expressed its dissatisfaction with a recent government-led salary review. The association described the reviewed allowances as inadequate, particularly for nurses required to be on call or to work during nights and weekends.

Beyond salary concerns, the association has put forward several other demands. These include the establishment of a dedicated department of nursing within the Ministry of Health, improvements in working conditions, and the provision of better equipment and resources in hospitals to ensure a safer and more effective healthcare environment.