10/05/2026
NOTICE / CLARIFICATION FROM UNIT NANNM, FNPH BARNAWA, KADUNA
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Barnawa, Kaduna, wishes to address the recent statement issued by the hospital management concerning our ongoing industrial action.
First, we urge the general public to disregard the misleading narrative suggesting that nurses intend to disrupt peace or cause a breakdown of law and order. Our actions have remained lawful, organized, and strictly within the framework of trade union rights.
Position and the Facts:
1. Engagement Ignored
Contrary to management claims, the union formally communicated its demands as far back as April and September 2025, with no meaningful response or action taken. Several follow-ups were made, all of which were ignored.
2. to Formalize Agreements
The prolongation of this industrial action is largely due to the Management’s refusal and lack of readiness to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), despite agreements being reached on two separate occasions. While Management verbally conceded to some of our demands during the course of this dispute, their failure to formalize these commitments through a signed MOU; an essential requirement for accountability and implementation undermines trust and contradicts established labour laws and dispute resolution practices. The Association has consistently insisted on a properly documented agreement to ensure transparency, credibility, and adherence to due process.
3. of Our Demands
Our demands as clearly outlined below are centered on:
- Proper placement of nurses in line with the approved Scheme of Service
- Employment of Nurses as Officers, not Superintendents.
- Fair and equitable treatment (harmonization)
- Employment of Registered Nurses (RN) on CONHESS 7
- Inclusion of the Head of Nursing Service and the Provost as members of TMC
- Appropriate professional designation and career progression
- Payment of withheld allowances
- Safe staffing practices, especially in psychiatric care
These are legitimate professional and welfare concerns, not unreasonable requests.
4. of Scheme of Service
Management’s claim that our demands contradict the Scheme of Service is misleading. In fact, our demands are aimed at ensuring full compliance with the approved standards governing nursing practice and career progression in Nigeria.
5. “No Work, No Pay”
Furthermore, the unilateral implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy without prior written communication to the Union, and the attachment of a circular purportedly from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) which appears questionable, raises serious concerns about due process and intent. The application of this policy without first addressing the root causes of the dispute reflects insensitivity to staff welfare and fails to resolve the systemic issues raised by nurses.
6. to Peace and Patient Care
At no time has the union planned to harass staff or disrupt services. Our priority remains safe, ethical, and quality patient care, which is why we insist on proper staffing and professional standards.
Our Appeal to the Public and Authorities
We call on the public, stakeholders, and relevant authorities including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to:
- Carefully review our demands
- Hold management accountable to due process
- Support fairness, transparency, and respect for healthcare professionals
This struggle is not just about nurses, it is about protecting the quality of healthcare delivery in our facility.
We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue but insist that any resolution must be documented, transparent, and aligned with the approved Scheme of Service.
Signed:
Enwereji Uchechukwu
Chairman, Unit NANNM
Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna
