By Oluyemi Israel
Nurses in Nigeria said they had begun a strike to demand better working conditions and changes to government policies.
The announcement was made by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), led by Mrs. Josephine Bassey in Cross River State.
The association explained that their requests included using previously approved documents, creating a nursing department in the health ministry, improving nurses’ allowances, hiring more staff, and allowing nurses to be part of hospital decision-making.
They stated that most of these requests did not require money, only government action.
The strike was reported to have started on Wednesday, July 30, across health centers in Calabar and other areas of Cross River State.
Mrs. Bassey said the nurses were monitored as early as 7:30 a.m. to ensure full participation, and anyone who did not join the strike would be punished.
She added that the nurses would return to work once the government met their demands. She also urged the public to speak out in support of the nurses.