The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions Sector, has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address the alleged victimisation, intimidation, and unfair labour practices at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, warning of a three-day warning strike if demands are not met.
In a letter dated July 15, 2026, signed by National Chairman Morakinyo Rilwan and National Secretary Enya Osinachi, the union expressed deep concern over the suspension of its unit chairman, the demotion of union officials, and the hospital management’s refusal to implement a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ultimatum runs until July 29, 2026.
The union highlighted the suspension of the unit chairman, who provided temporary accommodation in the union secretariat to stranded nursing students on clinical posting. NANNM described the action as punitive rather than commendable, noting that such responsibility typically lies with hospital management.
Additionally, the association protested the demotion of its Unit Public Relations Officer and two other members from CONHESS 13 to CONHESS 12, calling it unjustified and detrimental to staff morale.
The nurses also accused the hospital’s Medical Director of failing to honour the terms of an MoU signed in the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment following a previous strike.
“The persistent actions and leadership approach of the current Medical Director have continued to fuel industrial disharmony, victimization of union officials, and disregard for established agreements,” the letter stated.
The union said it had lost confidence in her leadership to maintain industrial peace.
Key Demands
Immediate lifting of the suspension of the unit chairman and restoration of all rights and privileges.
Reversal of the demotions and restoration of affected officers to their appropriate CONHESS levels with backdated benefits.
Full implementation of all terms in the signed MoU.
Thorough investigation into allegations of victimisation, intimidation, and anti-union practices.
Decisive administrative action, including a review of the Medical Director’s suitability to continue leading the institution.
The letter was copied to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, NANNM headquarters, security agencies, and the Director of Nursing Services.
NANNM-FHI emphasised its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution but warned that failure to resolve the issues within the 15-day period would leave it with no choice but to embark on a three-day warning strike “to press home our demands” in the interest of industrial harmony and quality healthcare delivery.
This development comes amid ongoing labour tensions in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly at federal institutions.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com