Nigeria's Health Sector on Brink of Collapse as Nurses, Doctors Embark on Strike

Rising grievances against the Federal Government have sparked a seven-day warning strike by nurses under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, and a 21-day ultimatum handed to the government by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to meet its demands or face a total and indefinite nationwide strike by medical doctors. The strike notices have raised fears of a total collapse of public healthcare services in Nigeria.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands, including the withdrawal of a controversial circular on the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS), payment of seven-month arrears, and implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
• Nurses under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have begun a 7-day warning strike across all federal health institutions, including Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum.
• The strike affects all nursing services nationwide and has been described as "total," with no skeletal nursing services to be provided in any federal health institution.
• Concerns cited by NANNM include the inadequacy of nurses' allowances, insufficient allowances for night shifts, weekend shifts, and poor call-duty compensation, as well as the need for a secure and conducive work environment and well-equipped hospitals.
• NMA's demands also include the creation of a Department of Nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health and the upward review of shift duty and specialist allowances.
• The NMA's Emergency Delegates Meeting, held on July 26, 2025, condemned the Federal Government's attitude towards the welfare of Nigerian doctors and expressed optimism that the government would address its concerns to avert an impending industrial disharmony in the health sector.

Statistics:

• 15-day ultimatum given by NANNM to the Federal Government to address its concerns before the strike began.
• 21-day ultimatum handed to the government by the NMA to meet its demands or face a total and indefinite nationwide strike by medical doctors.
• 7-day warning strike commenced by NANNM nurses across all federal health institutions, effective from July 29, 2025.
• 12:00 midnight start time of the strike.

Sources:

• "Nigeria: Nurses Begin 7-Day Warning Strike," AllAfrica Global Media, July 29, 2025.
• "Doctors Issue Ultimatum to Govt," Vanguard News, July 27, 2025.
• "NANNM Directs Members to Embark on 7-Day Warning Strike," Vanguard News, July 29, 2025.