Nurses' Strike Enters Day 3: Government Begins Negotiation Amid Health Service Disruption

The Nigerian government has opened talks with striking nurses in a bid to resolve the nationwide warning strike that has left hospitals struggling to provide adequate care. The strike, led by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), entered its third day today, with major hospitals across the country facing critical staffing shortages.

The nurses downed tools on Wednesday after the federal government failed to meet their demands following a 15-day ultimatum. Key issues raised by the association include poor salaries, unpaid allowances, severe staff shortages, and unsafe working conditions.

Confirming the start of negotiations, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said discussions would be held today between government officials and leaders of the nurses’ union.

However, optimism remains low. NANNM President, Morakinyo Rilwan, expressed doubt over the government's willingness to offer meaningful solutions.

“Negotiation continues on Friday between the association and the Ministry of Health, but I don’t see any positive outcome. We will do the seven-day warning strike to the end,” he said.

The impact of the strike is already being felt nationwide. In several states, patients have been left unattended as doctors struggle to manage workloads without the support of nursing staff.

Healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups are calling for urgent intervention, warning that continued disruption could endanger lives and worsen the country’s already overstretched health system.

As the strike stretches on, all eyes are on today’s meeting to see if it will mark a turning point—or deepen the crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.