Posted on: Fri 11-07-2025

In a fiery response to what has been described as a deliberate slap in the face of Nigeria’s most critical frontline health workers, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has rejected in its entirety the recently released circular on reviewed allowances for health workers.

At an Emergency Meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held via Zoom on Thursday, July 10, 2025, NANNM condemned the circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission as grossly inadequate, discriminatory, and a betrayal of the sacrifices and dedication of nurses and midwives across the country.

This Circular Is an Insult” — NANNM Blasts FG

The association minced no words in describing the circular as a complete failure to recognize the indispensable role nurses and midwives play in the Nigerian healthcare system. Despite countless hours spent in consultations, submissions, and reminders to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NEC noted that their demands have been continuously ignored.

Among the long-standing issues left unaddressed are:

• * The gazetting of the Nurses' Scheme of Service (approved since 2016)
• * Implementation of the NIC judgment from January 2012
• * Upward review of professional allowances
• * Employment of adequate nursing personnel
• * Establishment of a dedicated Department of Nursing
• * Inclusion of nurses in health policy decision-making
• * Representation on federal health institution boards
• * Centralized internship postings for graduate nurses
• * Recognition of consultancy status for nurses and midwives

The NEC has now issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government effective Monday, July 14, 2025. If no “concrete and satisfactory” steps are taken to address the association’s demands by the expiration date, nurses and midwives nationwide will down tools for a 7-day warning strike

This move, while painful, is described by the union as unavoidable in the face of sustained injustice and neglect.

In the communique, NANNM reaffirmed its commitment to quality healthcare delivery but stressed that such a commitment cannot continue under exploitative conditions. “Our nurses are not slaves. Compassion cannot thrive in an environment of systemic oppression,” a senior NANNM official was quoted as saying.

The association is calling on the Federal Government to revisit the circular immediately, enter into genuine dialogue with NANNM leadership, and take swift, tangible action to address the profession’s long-standing grievances.

As tension builds, the ball is now firmly in the court of the Federal Government. The health of millions of Nigerians hangs in the balance.

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