Nurses Give FG 15-Day Ultimatum, Threaten Nationwide Warning Strike

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that it will embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike if its demands are not met by July 29.

In a letter addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the union accused the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, of victimising its members, failing to implement an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and fuelling industrial unrest.

Among its demands, NANNM called for the reinstatement of its suspended unit chairman, the reversal of the alleged demotion of three nurses, full implementation of the MoU, and an investigation into what it described as anti-union practices at the hospital.

According to the union, the suspended chairman was sanctioned after providing temporary accommodation for nursing students on clinical posting who were stranded.

“It is our considered view that this humanitarian action should have attracted commendation rather than punishment,” the association stated.

NANNM further alleged that despite previous government intervention, the hospital’s Medical Director had failed to implement the agreement reached following an earlier industrial dispute.

While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the union warned that if its demands are not addressed within the 15-day deadline, it would proceed with a three-day nationwide warning strike.