Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has raised concerns over the ongoing strike by Nigerian nurses and midwives, warning that the country risks losing its healthcare professionals to foreign nations if the crisis is not swiftly addressed.

 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sani described the industrial action as unfortunate and called on the government to urgently meet the demands of the striking workers. He lamented that some nurses have resorted to selling doughnuts and soft drinks in hospitals to support themselves due to poor working conditions.

 

“The strike by the nurses and midwives is unfortunate. They should be listened to and their possible demands should be met, so that we don’t lose them to Europe, Canada, America or the Middle East,” Sani wrote. “Some nurses nowadays have to sell doughnuts and soft drinks to hospital visitors in order to make ends meet.”

 

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) began a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025.

 

Despite last-minute appeals from the Federal Government, the strike proceeded as planned. The association is demanding improved welfare packages, equitable allowances, and better working conditions for nurses in federal health institutions.

 

NANNM-FHI National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, disclosed on Tuesday that the government had failed to engage the union meaningfully within the timeframe provided.