Nurses Resumes Work As Doctors Plan Strike To August 17

Nurses across Nigeria have called off their nationwide warning strike after reaching an agreement with the federal government, but Doctors may soon begin an indefinite strike if their own demands remain unresolved.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives announced the suspension following a virtual emergency meeting of its leadership. The group said it made the decision after reviewing the outcome of a negotiation held on August 1 with key officials from the Ministries of Health, Labour, and other government bodies.

During the talks, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding that included timelines for implementing the union’s nine major demands. These include the formal adoption of a revised service structure for nurses, enforcement of a 2012 court ruling, improved allowances, recruitment of more nurses, and creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Ministry of Health. Nurses also asked for inclusion in policy-making bodies, fair representation on boards, centralized posting of intern nurses, and official recognition of advanced nursing consultants.

Following the agreement, the association instructed all nurses to resume duty immediately, while its national leaders will monitor how the government follows through on the agreed points.

However, fresh trouble may be on the horizon as the Nigerian Medical Association has issued a 21-day ultimatum that ends on August 16. If no progress is made by then, doctors say they will begin a full and indefinite strike on August 17.

The NMA’s warning follows a meeting held in Abuja on July 26, where doctors raised alarm over delays in salary payments, failure to implement collective agreements, and unresolved welfare issues. Among their complaints is the government’s failure to pay seven months of salary arrears under an adjusted salary structure and the slow response to a list of 19 other demands.

Doctors also criticised the government’s handling of a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which they say should have been withdrawn entirely instead of being temporarily suspended.

The association warned that the neglect of health workers could drive even more doctors to leave the country, worsening the brain drain that already threatens Nigeria’s fragile health sector.

While the nurses have returned to work, a new strike by doctors would put further strain on a system that is already struggling to meet the needs of ordinary Nigerians. With many unable to afford private care, public hospitals are often their only hope. If those hospitals shut down or operate with limited staff, it leaves patients in a vulnerable position once again.