Posted on: Tue 05-08-2025

Editorial: In recent weeks, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) embarked on a nationwide warning strike to advocate for nine critical demands affecting the nursing profession. While many institutions respected the industrial action, developments at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) in Uburu, Ebonyi State have raised serious concerns within the nursing community.

According to multiple reports and firsthand accounts, the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at DUFUTH allegedly took steps that many nurses view as undermining the strike. These include assuming the role of Head of Nursing, drafting rosters, and issuing memos that appeared to pressure locum nurses to report for duty despite NANNM’s directives.

More troubling, however, was the reported suspension of all locum nurses pending contract renewal — a move that came after an earlier memo had invited them for renewal processes. During the strike, replacements were allegedly recruited and directed to continue working even after the strike, The older locums who sabotaged the strike and worked during the strike action have had their contract renewed while their colleagues who didn't report at work have now been victimized

If these reports are accurate, they raise serious questions about adherence to the agreement between NANNM and the Federal Government, which explicitly stated that no nurse — whether staff, locum, or intern — would face victimization for participating in the strike.

While we cannot independently verify every detail, the implications of such actions, if true, are far-reaching. They risk setting a precedent that could weaken future industrial actions and erode the collective bargaining power of nurses across Nigeria.

We urge all relevant stakeholders — including NANNM and the leadership at DUFUTH particularly Dr Darlington Peter Ugorji— to engage in constructive dialogue and ensure that due process and professional respect are upheld. Nursing is a profession sui generis — unique, essential, and deserving of dignity.

This is not just about one hospital. It’s about the future of nursing in Nigeria. This vindictive ploy by Dr Darlington must not be allowed to stand. 

Nurses, Midwives, healthcare workers.... this affects us all. Share this. Let's make sure our voices are heard!

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