Public hospital nurses initiate strike as talks with government collapse.
On July 30, 2025, public hospital nurses across Nigeria commenced a seven‑day warning strike, demanding improved pay, better working conditions, and increased staffing. They threatened indefinite industrial action if their demands are not met.
This is the first nurses’ strike of its kind in over two decades. The country has lost more than 42,000 nurses to emigration over the past three years. Talks with the government delegation, led by Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, collapsed amid criticism for the absence of Health Minister Ali Pate.
The strike has worsened Nigeria’s healthcare crisis, with patients stranded and services stretched thin. The nurses assert the government has repeatedly failed to implement agreed reforms and adequate staffing levels.
The standoff underscores deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s public health sector—from brain drain to underfunding. As the strike unfolds, pressure mounts on the government to respond swiftly before conditions deteriorate further.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
