Abuja, July 30, 2025 — Nigeria’s public healthcare system is on the brink of paralysis as two of the country’s major health unions — the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) — have declared industrial actions over unresolved grievances with the Federal Government.
While the NMA has issued a 21-day ultimatum threatening an indefinite nationwide strike, NANNM commenced a total seven-day warning strike on Tuesday, July 29, disrupting nursing services across federal hospitals and health institutions.
Doctors Threaten Indefinite Strike
The NMA’s ultimatum followed an Emergency Delegates Meeting (EDM) held on July 26 in Abuja. In a communique signed by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and Secretary General, Dr. Jamin Egbo, the association expressed disappointment with the Federal Government’s handling of critical issues affecting the welfare of doctors.
Central to their grievances is the unresolved controversy surrounding a circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) regarding the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Although the circular was suspended, the NMA insists on its full withdrawal, citing the government’s failure to meet its earlier demands.
The doctors also raised concerns over the non-payment of seven-month salary arrears from the recent 25/35% CONMESS adjustment, failure to implement previously agreed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and general neglect of the health sector.
“The EDM, following extensive deliberations, unanimously condemned the attitude of the Federal Government to the welfare of its members and the persistent disregard for issues affecting Nigerian doctors,” the communique stated.
The NMA warned that failure to address its demands within the 21-day window — effective from July 27 — would result in a total and indefinite strike across all federal and state medical institutions.
Nurses Begin 7-Day Warning Strike
Meanwhile, the NANNM commenced a full-scale, seven-day warning strike on Tuesday after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.
In a circular signed by the union’s National Secretary, Comrade Enya Osinachi, nurses across all federal health institutions — including Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres — were directed to withdraw their services completely.
“This strike action is total and there should not be any skeletal nursing services in any of the federal health institutions across the country,” the statement read.
The union accuses the government of failing to address a range of demands, including the creation of a Department of Nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health, upward review of shift duty and specialist allowances, and improvement of working conditions in public hospitals.
NANNM National Chairman, Comrade Morakinyo Rilwan, had earlier described the recent review of nurses’ allowances as grossly inadequate, highlighting concerns over poor compensation for night duties, weekend shifts, and call duties.
Mounting Fears of Sector Collapse
The simultaneous actions by doctors and nurses have raised fears of a total collapse of healthcare services in public hospitals, with patients and healthcare stakeholders expressing deep concern.
Medical experts and labour analysts warn that unless urgent interventions are made, the healthcare sector — already burdened by poor funding and brain drain — could face unprecedented disruption.
The NMA says it remains hopeful that the government will act swiftly to resolve the issues at hand, stating, “We are optimistic that the government, in recognition of the pressing health needs of Nigerians and the patriotic service of doctors, will be responsive and avert this looming crisis.”
As both unions hold their ground, Nigerians brace for what could become one of the most crippling health sector strikes in the nation’s recent history.
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