Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Workers’ Rights Campaign (WRC) has declared its support for the strike ultimatum issued by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI) against the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Barnawa, Kaduna State.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Frances Akinjole, and Secretary, Bàbá Ayé, the group accused the hospital’s management of victimising union leaders, intimidating nurses and failing to implement agreements previously reached with workers.
The WRC warned that if the grievances are not addressed within the union’s 15-day ultimatum, nurses will embark on a three-day warning strike beginning July 29, 2026. It also urged nurses in federal health institutions across Nigeria to prepare for coordinated industrial action in solidarity with their colleagues at the Kaduna hospital.
According to the organisation, the dispute centres on what it described as persistent victimisation of union officials and unfair labour practices by the hospital management.
Among the issues raised is the suspension of the hospital’s NANNM chairperson, who was reportedly disciplined after providing temporary accommodation for stranded student nurses at the union secretariat.
The WRC also criticised the demotion of the union’s Public Relations Officer and two other executive members from CONHESS Level 13 to Level 12, describing the action as punitive and aimed at weakening union activities.
The campaign further alleged that the hospital management had failed to implement the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment following an earlier 108-day industrial action.
In addition, the organisation referenced allegations made by the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF), which claimed that security personnel were deployed to intimidate workers during the previous strike.
The WRC called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended union chairperson, restoration of the demoted officials to their previous salary grade levels and full implementation of the outstanding MoU.
It also demanded the proper placement of newly recruited nurses on the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), promotion of eligible staff and payment of outstanding uniform allowances.
Beyond the labour-related demands, the organisation urged the Federal Government to investigate allegations of victimisation and anti-union practices at the hospital.
The group further called for the removal of the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Aishatu Yushau Armiya’u, arguing that a new and more inclusive management team is needed to restore confidence, improve industrial relations and promote cooperation among healthcare professionals.
The WRC appealed to labour unions, professional associations and civil society organisations across the country to support the planned industrial action if the dispute remains unresolved, maintaining that collective action is necessary to safeguard workers’ rights and uphold fair labour practices in the health sector.
The management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of the WRC’s statement.
The planned strike, if it proceeds, could affect healthcare services at the specialist psychiatric facility and may draw wider attention to labour relations and working conditions within Nigeria’s federal health institutions.
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