Nigeria health sector strike escalates as doctors threaten action after nurses suspend walkout. Crisis worsens amid brain drain and poor working conditions

Nigeria health sector strike has taken a troubling turn as the country battles dual threats of worker unrest and a deepening manpower crisis.

Also read: Lagos Doctors’ Strike Ends After 3 Days as Talks With Government Progress

Following a three-day warning strike by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning of a possible nationwide doctors’ strike.

The nurses’ strike, which began Wednesday and ended prematurely on Friday, caused massive disruption in public hospitals. Patients nationwide endured harrowing conditions, forcing many to seek care in private facilities — a luxury few can afford.

Despite suspending the strike, nurses insisted it was a last resort. “Strike seems to be the only language the government understands,” said NANNM.

They cited unfulfilled demands dating as far back as 2012, including implementation of a national court judgment and gazetting of their scheme of service approved in 2016.

Among the nine-point demands were better representation in health policymaking, mass recruitment, equipment upgrades, professional allowance reviews, centralized internship placements, and recognition of nurses as consultants.

NANNM President Haruna Mamman warned that unless systemic issues are resolved, the country could soon face an unprecedented manpower crisis. “Our patience is wearing thin,” he said.

On the doctors’ side, the NMA outlined 19 urgent demands, including full payment of salary arrears, improved hazard allowances, enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, and urgent review of working conditions.

Dr. Happy Adedapo, NMA Chairman in Oyo State, warned, “The take-home pay can no longer take doctors home.”

The NMA also emphasized worsening conditions due to inflation and stagnant wages. “From food to transport to housing, prices have tripled, but our salaries remain the same,” Adedapo lamented.

Another critical concern is the brain drain. According to official figures, over 16,000 doctors and 42,000 nurses have left Nigeria in the past five years.

The NMA revealed that while 55,000 doctors are registered in Nigeria, only about 33,500 remain in active local practice.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Alli Pate, recently acknowledged the crisis, saying that the government was working on resolving long-standing arrears and engaging associations through extended negotiations.

Meanwhile, medical tourism remains a staggering economic leak. Dr. Akeem Yusuf, citing Central Bank data, said Nigeria spends $2 billion annually on overseas treatment, a figure that could revolutionize local healthcare if reinvested.

Despite introducing a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, meant to retain talent and improve rural care, professionals argue that without real incentives, reforms remain toothless.

Dr. Thomas Shettima of NANNM warned against superficial solutions like increasing nursing schools without addressing core welfare issues: “More schools won’t solve the ‘japa’ syndrome. Only better conditions will.”

Also read: Nurses Strike in Nigeria Cripples Hospitals Nationwide

As it stands, Nigeria’s healthcare system teeters on the brink. Without swift and sincere government intervention, the Nigeria health sector strike may soon spiral into a full-blown national health emergency.