News Update: NANNM Calls Circular Suspension Insufficient, Upholds 15-Day Ultimatum for Nurses’ Demands
Abuja, Nigeria – July 22, 2025, 12:32 PM BST – The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has labeled the Federal Government’s suspension of the reviewed allowances for medical, dental, and other health professionals as insufficient, maintaining its 15-day ultimatum set to expire at midnight on July 29, 2025.
The decision, announced by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on July 18, 2025, pauses Circulars No: SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, SWC/S/04/S.218/III/651, and SWC/S/04/S.410/VII/658—originally issued on June 27, 2025—but NANNM warns that a 7-day warning strike remains imminent unless all demands are met within the next six days.
NANNM’s attention was drawn to the NSIWC circular, which suspended allowances deemed “derogatory” and inadequate by healthcare workers. However, the association asserts that this suspension addresses only one of their nine critical demands. With the deadline fast approaching, NANNM has reiterated that the ultimatum will not be withdrawn until the government fully responds to their legitimate requests. These demands are:
- Gazetting the Nurses Scheme of Service, approved by the National Council on Establishment (NCE) in 2016 in Minna, Niger State.
- Implementation of the National Industrial Court judgment of January 27, 2012.
- Upward review of professional allowances for nurses and midwives.
- Employment of nursing personnel and adequate provision of healthcare facility equipment.
- Creation of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health.
- Inclusion of nurses in the leadership of healthcare policy-making bodies.
- Fair representation by NANNM on board memberships in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
- Centralization of internship postings for graduate nurses.
- Recognition of consultancy opportunities for nurses and midwives.
Attempts to contact National President Comrade Nurse Haruna Mamman have been unsuccessful, with no responses to calls or messages, though anonymous NANNM sources confirmed to a Fellow Nurses Africa correspondent that the association remains steadfast. The group calls on the government to engage in urgent dialogue to prevent a strike, highlighting that “life is precious” and swift action is vital for Nigerian citizens.
As previously reported by Fellow Nurses Africa on Our Exclusive Coverage: Nigerian Nurses Reject Tinubu’s Allowance Review as Betrayal of Renewed Hope, nurses had already voiced strong disapproval of the initial circular. NANNM’s current position intensifies the pressure as the deadline nears.
Nurses across Africa are invited to join a supportive network. Connect with the Fellow Nurses Africa Elite Community on WhatsApp for updates and unity: Join Our Esteemed Nursing Circle.
At 12:32 PM BST on July 22, 2025, Nigeria’s healthcare system stands at a critical turning point. Fellow Nurses Africa will continue to monitor this pressing situation and deliver the latest updates.
** Join the Fellow Nurses Africa Elite Community on WhatsApp for support and updates: Join Our Esteemed Nursing Circle.
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