Nurses threaten nationwide strike over alleged victimisation, unpaid allowance

The National Association of Federal Health Institution Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) has threatened nationwide industrial action over alleged victimisation, salary irregularities, and unpaid allowances unless their demands are urgently addressed.

The nurses announced this in a communique issued after an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held in Kaduna on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The National Secretary of NANNM-FHI, Enya Osinachi, said the association was deeply concerned about the suspension of its unit chairman and the alleged demotion of some nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa in Kaduna State.

Osinachi said NEC also condemned the irregular payment of salaries and allowances to nurses in federal health institutions, the stoppage of teaching allowance for nurses on CONHESS 7 and 8.

The union also alleged the collection of certificate verification fees from nurses at the Specialist Teaching Hospital.

Osinachi added that the association resolved that the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, should reinstate the suspended unit chairman and reverse the demotion of affected nurses within 72 hours.

She warned that failure to comply with the resolution and respect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier signed with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment would compel the association to mobilise nurses in all federal health institutions for industrial action.

“The NEC also called for the removal of the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, over alleged high-handedness, victimisation, vendetta and disregard for the signed agreement,” Osinachi stated.

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Osinachi further demanded the restoration of teaching allowances for nurses on CONHESS 7 and 8, the reinstatement of call duty, shift duty and other allowances, as well as the payment of all outstanding arrears.

She also urged the management of Specialist Teaching Hospital to immediately stop collecting certificate verification fees from nurses and refund those who had already paid.

According to her, nurses remain committed to quality healthcare delivery and industrial harmony but will not tolerate intimidation, unfair labour practices or breaches of agreements reached with government authorities.

She appealed to the federal government and the management of the affected institutions to address the issues promptly to avert industrial unrest.

Osinachi reaffirmed the association’s readiness to pursue all lawful trade union processes to defend the rights and welfare of its members.