Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has warned that Nigeria may lose nurses to foreign nations if the ongoing strike is not resolved.
Describing the strike by nurses and midwives as unfortunate, Sani urged the Nigerian government to meet their needs.
Posting on X, he said some nurses now rely on selling doughnuts and soft drinks in hospitals to survive.
He wrote: “The strike by the nurses and midwives is unfortunate.They should be listened to and their possible demands should be met, so that we don’t lose them to Europe, Canada, America or the Middle East.
“Some nurses nowadays have to sell doughnuts and soft drinks to hospital visitors in order to make ends meet.”
On Wednesday, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector, NANNM-FHI, had commenced a seven-day warning strike today.
The strike went ahead despite appeals by the Federal Government.
It said the strike became necessary following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July, 2025, demanding improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across federal health institutions.
Speaking on Tuesday, the National Chairman of the union, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the Federal Government failed to engage meaningfully with the association during the window provided.
