Nigerian nurses, pharmacists, others to embark on strike

Nigerian health workers will begin a five-day warning strike across the nation. According to the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Olumide Akintayo, the industrial action would be observed by health workers in primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals nationwide.


Speaking on behalf of the Assembly of Health Care Professionals and the Joint Health Sector Unions which include nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and other professionals, he said the decision is sequel to the expiration of the 15-day ultimatum earlier given by the AHPN and JOHESU to the Federal Government to address its demands.

The demands include the approval of consultancy status for some cadre of health workers and the fulfilment of the ruling of the National Industrial Court in July 2013. They are also kicking against the recent approval of the post of the Office of a Surgeon-General for the Federation by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said, “After appraising all its options, JOHESU painfully directs all its members to proceed on a five-day warning strike from January 15 and 21 to enable government to redress through constructive dialogue our grievances.

 “Our minimum condition is also a non-negotiable dialogue with the President, whom we know will be willing to give us a listening ear. A conflict that continues to fester a rotten wound in  the health sector of the country can no longer be left to the Presidential aides.”

If government failed to address its demands in two weeks, he said the union would embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.