Fellow Nurses Africa News | Lagos, Nigeria || 2 July, 2025.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a firm and united rejection of the recent circular on the review of allowances for nurses and midwives in the Federal Public Service, branding it “derogatory” and a disservice to the profession.
Released today, July 2, 2025, from its national headquarters in Abuja, this statement comes almost 24 hours after the NANNM Federal Health Institutions (FHI) sector issued its own rejection circular on June 30, 2025. NANNM is now demanding a 200% upward review of salaries and allowances, threatening industrial action if the government and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) fail to comply.
This escalating dispute underscores the growing frustration over poor working conditions and the mass exodus of nurses seeking better opportunities abroad.
The Controversial Circular Under Fire
The NSIWC, led by Chairman Ekpo U. O. Nta, Esq., released Circular Ref No: SWC/S/04/S 218/III/651 on June 27, 2025, outlining revised allowances effective January 1, 2025. Based on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the proposed figures include:
- Call Duty Allowance: Estimated at ₦15,000–₦40,000 monthly.
- Shift Duty Allowance: Estimated at ₦15,000–₦34,000.
- Specialist Allowance: ₦50,000–₦100,000 for consultants, but excluded for specialized nurses.
- Clinical Duty Allowance: ₦40,000–₦80,000 for honorary consultants.
- Teaching Allowance: ₦30,000–₦60,000.
- Rural Posting Allowance: ₦20,000–₦50,000.
In a letter dated July 1, 2025, signed by Senior Assistant General Secretary Nurse (Bar) Nana Takai on behalf of General Secretary Dr. T.A. Shettima, NANNM expressed “shock and total dismay” at the review. The association argues that these allowances fail to address the dire conditions driving the “Japa syndrome,” with thousands of nurses and midwives leaving Nigeria due to inadequate pay and support.
A Demand for Justice: 200% Pay Rise
NANNM highlighted its repeated reminders to the NSIWC, demanding a 200% upward review of allowances to reflect the profession’s sacrifices. The unilateral release of the circular without negotiation or input has been labeled “unacceptable” and a breach of collective bargaining principles. Nurse Chidi Theophilus Aligwe (JP), speaking from NANNM headquarters, stated, “This act will only frustrate and push nurses out of government service. We demand a 200% pay rise or nothing!”
Threat of Strikes Looms
NANNM has placed all members on “red alert” for possible industrial action if the government and NSIWC do not reverse the circular and negotiate a satisfactory solution. The association’s rallying cry—“Solidarity forever! Aluta continua! Victoria ascerta!”—signals a united resolve. An anonymous nurse told Fellow Nurses Africa, “We’ve been neglected too long. A 200% increase is the minimum to keep us here.” Another added, “The Renewed Hope Agenda promised better, but this mocks our efforts.”
Fellow Nurses Africa published an in-depth analysis of the allowance review,read here: Nigerian Nurses Reject Tinubu’s Health Sector Allowance Review, Call It a Betrayal of Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Broader Context: A Healthcare Crisis
With Nigeria losing healthcare professionals at an alarming rate, this dispute highlights a deepening crisis. The health budget of 5.18% (₦2.48 trillion), far below the 15% Abuja Declaration target, adds urgency to resolve this standoff. NANNM remains committed to advocating for nurse welfare, fair pay, and improved conditions.
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