Kwara nurses strike joins national action over poor welfare, unpaid allowances, and lack of representation in Nigeria’s health sector despite partial state efforts
Kwara nurses strike has officially commenced, with the state’s council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) joining a nationwide one-week warning strike.
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The strike action follows the national directive by the association’s executive council, citing the Federal Government’s failure to meet long-outstanding demands affecting the nursing profession.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Ilorin, State Secretary Markus Lucas confirmed Kwara’s full participation. “We stand with our colleagues across the country in demanding action on critical issues,” he said.
Top among these demands are the implementation of the National Industrial Arbitration Court ruling of January 27, 2012, a review of professional allowances, increased recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Other grievances include the exclusion of nurses from national healthcare policymaking and underrepresentation in federal health institutions factors the association says degrade healthcare delivery and nurse morale.
While commending Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s recent 25% salary raise for nurses, NANNM Kwara insists that only one of seven major demands has been addressed at the state level.
The association is pressing for fair entry-level recognition for graduate nurses, rural allowances, career progression for single-qualified nurses, and appropriate duty compensations.
“The Kwara nurses strike is not just about salaries it’s about dignity, inclusion, and quality care for patients,” Lucas emphasized.
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As the warning strike unfolds, attention now turns to whether state and federal governments will act decisively to prevent a full-scale industrial action that could cripple healthcare services.
