Medical facilities across Abuja descended into confusion on Wednesday as members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), operating under the Federal Health Institutions (FHI) sector, launched a seven-day warning strike. This sudden industrial action triggered widespread disruption across federal government hospitals, leaving hundreds of patients stranded and medical services running at a fraction of their usual capacity.

The strike, which officially began in the early hours of Wednesday, quickly resulted in major service disruptions at hospitals throughout the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the National Hospital Abuja, Wuse General Hospital, General Hospital Kubwa, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), among others.

Hospitals discharged some patients early, while others scaled back operations significantly due to the absence of nursing staff, who play a crucial role in daily healthcare delivery.

Patients Bear the Brunt as Staff Shortage Grinds Hospitals to a Halt

A mother, who brought her daughter for immunisation at one of the affected hospitals, described the long hours of waiting as agonising.

“Staff are trying to attend to us, but the delays are unbearable,” she said. “I still need to get to work, but I’ve been here all morning. This isn’t sustainable.”

At General Hospital, Kubwa, the situation appeared even more dire. Nurses completely vacated the facility, forcing overstretched doctors to manage overwhelming patient loads with limited resources. Essential services were either reduced drastically or ceased entirely.

In the paediatric ward, many frustrated parents could be seen seated on benches or pacing with their sick children, waiting hours to be seen.

“It’s the doctors alone trying to attend to all these children,” said a parent who asked not to be named. “It’s clearly impossible for them to manage without the nurses. Who takes vital signs? Who assists the doctors? Government must meet the nurses’ demands because this is beyond the doctors’ capacity.”

Labour Ward Discharges Patients, Doctors Overwhelmed

Inside the hospital’s labour ward, patients were reportedly discharged early as doctors struggled to maintain operations in the absence of support from nursing personnel.

“We are overwhelmed,” a doctor who requested anonymity admitted. “Our capacity is severely restricted without the nurses. We’re only able to provide basic care. Beyond that, our hands are tied.”

The National Hospital Abuja also experienced heavy disruptions. Patients crowded the facility’s waiting areas, many sitting on the floor or leaning against walls due to a lack of space. The absence of nurses forced doctors and other health workers to take on additional responsibilities, significantly slowing service delivery.

Despite the chaos, most patients opted to remain at the hospitals, fearing their conditions would deteriorate if they left without medical attention.

NANNM Threatens Indefinite Nationwide Strike if Demands Are Ignored

Chairman of NANNM at the National Hospital, Joe Akpi, confirmed the union’s position. While empathising with patients, he insisted that the strike was necessary to compel the government to act.

“We care about the patients, but our hands are tied,” Akpi said. “There was supposed to be a meeting with government officials today, but it’s been postponed to Friday. If our demands are still not met by the end of this warning strike, we will issue a 21-day ultimatum and then commence a nationwide indefinite strike.”

The Wuse General Hospital was not spared either. The Accident and Emergency Unit had to discharge patients due to doctors’ inability to manage the unit without assistance from nurses.

Simon Adebiyi, a patient at the hospital, shared his frustrations. “The doctors are trying, but it’s not enough. Everyone’s tired of waiting. This delay is affecting lives.”

Nurses’ Demands: Shift Allowances, Recruitment, and Structural Reforms

The nurses had earlier issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on July 14, demanding urgent action to avoid a complete breakdown of healthcare services.

National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the Federal Government failed to respond to the nurses’ grievances within the stipulated period.

Key demands from the union include:

• Upward revision of shift allowances

• Increased uniform allowances

• Creation of a unique salary structure for nurses

• Enhancement of core duty allowances

• Mass recruitment of nurses

• Establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health

NANNM insists the warning strike is necessary to emphasize the urgent need for reforms and recognition of nurses’ critical role in the healthcare system.

Federal Medical Centre Also Feels the Heat

At the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, medical services were painfully slow as patients waited hours to be seen. Long queues formed at various departments, including the General Out-Patient Department, Immunisation Clinic, Consultation Wing, and Surgical Out-Patient Section.

Executives of NANNM were stationed at the hospital to ensure full compliance with the strike directive.

Victor Asu, NANNM Chairman at FMC, confirmed that no nurse was on duty and reiterated the union’s commitment to the industrial action.

“I’m here to monitor compliance, and it’s 100%,” Asu declared. “While doctors and other healthcare workers are still on duty, they cannot meet the full demands of patient care without nurses. For now, we have resolved that no nurse will work in the wards or stay overnight. Nurses are supposed to be available 24/7, but that is suspended for now.”

Patients Remain Hopeful, but Frustration Mounts

Abu Isah, who brought his elderly father to the hospital, described their long wait since arriving at 8 a.m.

“It’s been over two hours, and we’re still waiting. The process is very slow, but we’re hopeful we’ll eventually be attended to.”

As the strike enters its second day, pressure continues to mount on the Federal Government to intervene decisively. For now, the public healthcare system in the nation’s capital teeters on the brink, with patients, doctors, and administrators alike caught in a web of uncertainty.