Nurses give FG 15-day ultimatum, threaten Nationwide warning strike

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike if its demands are not met by July 29.

In a letter addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the union accused the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, of victimising its members, failing to implement a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and creating industrial unrest.

Among its demands, NANNM called for the reinstatement of its suspended unit chairman, the reversal of the alleged demotion of three nurses, the implementation of the outstanding MoU and a thorough investigation into alleged anti-union activities at the hospital.

The association said its unit chairman was suspended after providing temporary accommodation for nursing students on clinical posting who were stranded, describing the action as humanitarian rather than misconduct.

“It is our considered view that this humanitarian action should have attracted commendation rather than punishment,” the union stated.

NANNM also alleged that the hospital's Medical Director had failed to implement agreements reached after an earlier industrial dispute despite government intervention.

While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the union warned that it would proceed with a three-day nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to address its grievances before the expiration of the 15-day deadline.