Health Workers Commence Indefinite Strike

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) have directed its members to proceed on an indefinite nationwide strike, crippling activities in federal hospitals.

Speaking at a press conference in Kwara state on Wednesday, Biobelemoye Josiah, national chairman, JOHESU blamed the Federal Government’s lackadaisical attitude for the exercise.

“On August 14, a 30-day ultimatum was issued to the Federal Government which expired on September 13, to further draw attention of government to our demands without any meaningful response,” he said.

He further issued another 7-day ultimatum on Thursday, September 14, to again draw the attention of the government, but again, the government failed to respond to them.

This time Josiah urged his colleagues to make the strike “total and comprehensive”.

“This lackadaisical attitude of the government has necessitated the resolve of JOHESU to call out all our members nationwide to withdraw their services and stay at home with effect from midnight of today (Wednesday) even after waiting patiently till this hour on the approval for adjustments of CONHESS.

“We once again appeal to FG to tow the oath of honour and implement all agreements, memorandum of understanding, and courts judgments, while we urge our members at the tertiary health level to make the strike total and comprehensive.

“In the event that no appreciable response is received from the government within 15 days of commencement of the strike by the federal tertiary health institutions, all our members in the states, and local governments nationwide are directed to join the action by September 28.”