Sani added that some of the nurses now rely on selling doughnuts and soft drinks in hospitals to survive.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, on Wednesday warned that Nigeria may lose its nurses to foreign countries if the ongoing strike is not amicably resolved.
The ex-Kaduna Central senator gave the advice in a post he shared on his verified X handle.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) commenced a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday despite appeals by the Federal Government.
The union said the industrial action became necessary following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July, 2025.
NANNM-FHI had earlier demanded improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for its members.
Reacting to the development, Sani said the nurses may end up relocating to countries like Canada, United States and European or Middle East counties if the strike action isn’t addressed.
He added that some of the nurses now rely on selling doughnuts and soft drinks in hospitals to survive.
He went on to urge Nigerian government to try and meet their demands.
Sani wrote: “The strike by the nurses and midwives is unfortunate.They should be listened to and their possible demands should be met, so that we don’t lose them to Europe, Canada, America or the Middle East.
“Some nurses nowadays have to sell doughnuts and soft drinks to hospital visitors in order to make ends meet.”
