The National Association of Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) has vowed to sustain its ongoing seven-day warning strike, which began on Wednesday, until the federal government addresses key demands. National Chairman Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, speaking on Thursday, dismissed government appeals to suspend the industrial action without concrete action on the union’s grievances.

The strike, which followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025, persists despite a Tuesday meeting with Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi. Rilwan described the meeting as inconclusive, citing the absence of critical stakeholders, including the Minister of Health and the Head of Service of the Federation. A subsequent meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health on Wednesday also ended without resolution, with further talks scheduled for Friday at the Ministry of Health.

Rilwan emphasized that the union would not heed calls to return to work until “serious commitment” is demonstrated by the government. “We are not comfortable with suspending the strike just for them to look at our demands. Some parts of these demands must be met before we can suspend the strike,” he stated, highlighting the government’s “insincerity and insensitivity” as a key driver of the action.

The union’s demands include the gazetting of the scheme of service for nurses, an upward review of allowances, specialty allowances for specialist nurses, increased recruitment of nurses, enhanced remuneration, and the creation of a dedicated department for nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health. Rilwan noted that the government had ample time to address these issues before the strike but failed to act.

Despite the industrial action, Rilwan underscored the nurses’ compassion for patients, stating, “It’s not in our nature to strike. Nurses are empathetic and love our patients, but this strike is our last resort to get the government’s attention.” He added that a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with stakeholders is required to end the deadlock in negotiations.

On Wednesday, Minister Dingyadi appealed to the nurses to suspend the strike, advocating dialogue as a better approach to resolving disputes. “Strikes are not the best solution. We are committed to addressing your concerns,” he said, assuring continued efforts to reach a resolution. However, the union remains firm, with Rilwan insisting on tangible progress before considering a return to work.