The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over what it described as the continued victimisation, intimidation and unfair treatment of nurses and union leaders at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna.
The ultimatum, contained in a memorandum dated 15 July 2026 and signed by the National Chairman of the association, Comrade Morakinyo Olajide Rilwan, and the National Secretary, Comrade Enya Agatha Osinachi, warned that the union could embark on a three-day warning strike if its demands are not met by 29 July 2026
According to the union, one of its major concerns is the suspension of the hospital’s Unit Chairman after he reportedly provided temporary accommodation for nursing students on clinical posting who had been left without a place to stay.
NANNM argued that the action was humanitarian and that responsibility for providing accommodation for students on clinical placement ordinarily rests with the hospital management.
The association also condemned what it described as the unjust demotion of the Unit Public Relations Officer and two other members from CONHESS 13 to CONHESS 12, saying the decision lacked justification and had negatively affected the morale and welfare of the affected officers.
The union further accused the Medical Director of the hospital of refusing to implement a Memorandum of Understanding reached after a previous industrial dispute, despite the agreement being signed in the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. It said the alleged failure to honour the agreement undermines confidence in the government’s dispute resolution process.
NANNM also alleged persistent victimisation of union officials, anti-union practices and actions capable of disrupting industrial harmony within the institution. Consequently, it said it had lost confidence in the leadership of the current Medical Director.
The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to immediately reinstate the suspended Unit Chairman, reverse the demotion of the affected officers, ensure full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, investigate allegations of victimisation and anti-union activities, and take administrative steps to restore industrial peace at the hospital.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, NANNM warned that failure to address the issues within the stipulated period would leave the union with no option but to commence a three-day warning strike.
The memorandum was copied to the Minister of Labour and Productivity, the NANNM Headquarters, the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health.
