Nigerian Nurses Begin Nationwide Strike Over Poor Wages and Working Conditions
Healthcare delivery in Nigeria has
been thrown into disarray as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and
Midwives (NANNM) launched a 7-day warning strike across the country.
The industrial action, which began today, comes after weeks of unsuccessful
negotiations between the union and the Federal Government over improved pay,
better welfare packages, and safer working conditions.
Why
the Nurses Are on Strike
For years, nurses across Nigeria
have complained about poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and a lack
of modern equipment in public hospitals. Many of them have been forced to work
extra hours without proper compensation, while others are leaving the country
in what is now known as the "japa syndrome", seeking better
opportunities abroad.
According to NANNM, the government
has failed to meet several key demands, which include:
- Immediate implementation of a new salary structure that reflects current economic realities.
- Provision of adequate medical equipment and protective
gear in hospitals.
- Recruitment of more nurses to reduce the overwhelming workload on the few
available staff.
- Payment of outstanding hazard allowances for nurses who risked their lives during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Impact
on Healthcare Services
The strike has left many federal and
state hospitals in a partial shutdown. Patients in critical need of care have
been left stranded, while only emergency units are operating in some
facilities. Families with sick relatives are now turning to private hospitals,
which are often too expensive for ordinary Nigerians.
A nurse at Lagos University Teaching
Hospital, who spoke anonymously, said:
"We are not happy to abandon
our patients, but we have no choice. We have begged the government for years to
improve our welfare, and they ignored us. This strike is our last resort."
Government’s
Response
The Federal Ministry of Health has
called on the striking nurses to return to work, urging them to consider the
lives of patients. However, NANNM insists that they will not back down until
their demands are addressed.
The Minister of Health stated:
“We are open to dialogue and
committed to resolving this issue, but the strike at this scale will only
worsen the healthcare situation in the country.”
Public
Reaction
Many Nigerians have taken to social
media to express their frustration, blaming both the government and health
unions for the crisis. While some support the nurses’ demands, others are
worried that the strike will lead to unnecessary deaths, especially in rural
areas where access to healthcare is already limited.
The
Bigger Picture
The strike highlights a growing
problem in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Every year, thousands of nurses and
doctors leave the country due to poor pay and lack of support from the
government. Experts warn that if this trend continues, the healthcare system
may completely collapse.
What
Happens Next
NANNM has given the government seven
days to address their demands. If no progress is made, the union has
threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike, which could
paralyze the health sector entirely.
✅ Conclusion
The ongoing nurses’ strike is not just about wages; it’s about the survival of
Nigeria’s healthcare system. Until the government implements lasting reforms,
Nigerians will continue to suffer from a sector in crisis.
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