The Kwara State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has declared its full participation in the nationwide one-week warning strike, aligning with the directive of its national leadership.
The industrial action, which commenced in solidarity with nurses across the federation, is in response to the Federal Government’s prolonged failure to address longstanding professional grievances, as outlined in communiqués issued by the National Executive Council of the association.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ilorin, the State Secretary of NANNM, Mr Markus Lucas, reaffirmed the commitment of Kwara-based nurses and midwives to the ongoing struggle, citing the urgent need for government action on critical sectoral reforms.
“We, as nurses in Kwara State, stand with our colleagues nationwide in pressing for the fulfilment of key demands, including but not limited to the implementation of the National Industrial Arbitration Court judgement delivered on January 27, 2012,” the statement read.
Other core demands include the upward review of professional allowances, strategic employment of qualified nursing personnel, improved provision of medical equipment, and the establishment of a Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Additionally, the association is calling for increased representation of nurses in leadership and policymaking roles within the healthcare system, and equitable inclusion across federal health institutions.
NANNM argued that these reforms are essential for strengthening the quality of healthcare delivery, enhancing professional growth, and ensuring the welfare of nursing practitioners nationwide.
On the local front, the association acknowledged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s approval of a 25 per cent salary increment for nurses, describing it as a commendable step. However, it noted that the increment addresses only one of the seven demands previously tabled before the state government.
Among the outstanding issues are the review of entry points for graduate nurses in line with their academic qualifications, the need for defined career progression pathways—particularly for single-qualified nurses—as well as the payment of teaching, call duty, and rural allowances for those serving in underserved communities.
NANNM Kwara maintained that prompt and holistic action on these issues would significantly boost morale, reduce attrition, and ultimately improve healthcare service delivery across the state.
The warning strike continues as both the national and state chapters await meaningful engagement from the relevant authorities.
