Nurses in Abuja stopped work today. It is Wednesday, July 30, 2025. They followed a directive from NANNM. This is the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives. The strike is a warning. It will last seven days. It affects federal healthcare facilities. Nurses want better conditions. The government has not solved their issues.The strike started at midnight. It covers all federal hospitals. This includes teaching hospitals and medical centers. Nurses are not showing up. Patients are feeling the impact. Many are waiting for care. The action shows their frustration.

Why Nurses Are Striking

Nurses have big complaints. They say pay is too low. Shift allowances are unfair. They get only 6.8% instead of 30%. Uniform allowances are stuck at N20,000 yearly. This has not changed in 20 years. They need more money for replacements.

Nurses protesting

Nurses demand better pay and conditions.

Working conditions are bad. Nurses face long hours. They want a nursing department in the ministry. They also want a say in health policies. The government ignored their 15-day warning. This led to the strike.

Impact on Patients

Hospitals in Abuja are struggling. Patients wait for hours. Some wards are empty. Emergency services are slow. Doctors try to help. But they cannot do everything. People are upset. They need care but cannot get it.

A mother spoke out. Her child needed help. She waited all day. She fears for his health. Others left without treatment. The strike hurts the public.

NANNM’s Demands

NANNM has a list of demands. They want better pay. This includes shift and uniform allowances. They ask for more nurses to be hired. They want a nursing department created. Nurses should join health boards too.

They also want intern postings centralized. This helps new nurses. They seek consultancy status for skilled nurses. The government must act. The strike will not stop until they do.

NANNM meeting

NANNM leaders plan the strike action.

Government’s Response

The government is asking nurses to stop. The Labour Minister spoke today. He wants talks instead of strikes. He says dialogue is better. But no deal has been made yet. Nurses are waiting for action.

Some say the government is slow. They ignored the 15-day ultimatum. This made nurses strike. Talks may start soon. But it is not clear yet.

Public Reaction

People are talking online. Some support the nurses. They say workers deserve better. Others are angry. They cannot get care. The debate is heated. Many feel stuck.

Some blame the government. They say it neglects healthcare. Others blame nurses. They think patients suffer too much. The strike is a big topic. People want a solution.

What Happens Next?

The strike lasts until August 5. Nurses will watch the government. If nothing changes, they may strike longer. A 21-day ultimatum could follow. This could lead to an indefinite strike.

Hospitals may stay busy. Patients need care. The government must act fast. The next week is key. Everyone waits for news.

Broader Healthcare Crisis

Nigeria’s healthcare is under strain. Many nurses leave for other countries. Over 42,000 have gone in three years. Doctors are striking too. This adds to the problem.

The WHO sets standards. Nigeria falls short. There are too few nurses and doctors. The strike shows deeper issues. Change is needed soon.

Healthcare crisis overview

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces challenges.

Call for Action

People want a fix. Nurses need support. The government must listen. Better pay and conditions are key. Hospitals need more staff. The public deserves care.

Leaders should act now. Talks must start. A solution can save lives. Everyone hopes for progress.