The directive was issued in an internal circular dated July 30, 2025, referencing a national order by the Nigerian Nurses and Midwifery Council, which the NANNM UMTH branch had earlier relayed. The circular confirmed that the strike commenced on July 29, 2025, at midnight.
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has directed all its locum nurses to remain at their duty posts despite the ongoing seven-day nationwide warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The directive was issued in an internal circular dated July 30, 2025, referencing a national order by the Nigerian Nurses and Midwifery Council, which the NANNM UMTH branch had earlier relayed. The circular confirmed that the strike commenced on July 29, 2025, at midnight.
“I am directed to write and inform you that locum nurses should remain in their respective duty post, as the circular does not affect those on locum appointment,” the circular stated.
“Failure to adhere to these directives, will lead to stoppage of salary for the period of absence from duty post.”
The statement was signed by Mohammed Abba Ali, Assistant Director Admin/Clinical, for the Chief Medical Director.
The media earlier reported that the strike action, declared by nurses and midwives across federal health institutions under NANNM-FHI, has left thousands of patients stranded nationwide. The union said the strike followed the Federal Government’s refusal to meet its demands, despite a 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14, 2025.
The union had said, “As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.
“Fifteen days is enough for them to call us for negotiations. It is because they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses. That’s why they allowed 15 good days to elapse.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike.”
“And we gave them 15 days’ notice. Maybe they are looking at it that these people have not gone on strike for a very long time, so they are not going to go on strike. But they are wrong.
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want. So, we don’t have any option but to allow them to exercise their rights, because they are tired.”
“They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues,” the union had added.
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