Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
KADUNA, Nigeria – Medical services grind to a halt at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, as nurses embark on an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare and promotion grievances.
The action, led by 128 nurses under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), begins on Thursday after what the union describes as more than two years of failed engagement with hospital management.
NANNM unit chairman, Comrade Enwereji Uchekukwu, says repeated letters to management went unanswered, prompting the withdrawal of services.
“Our concerns were ignored. That left us with no option but to down tools,” he tells reporters.
The nurses cite improper salary placement, alleging that newly recruited staff were placed on CONHESS 6 instead of the approved CONHESS 7. They also raise concerns about outdated job titles and the reported removal of the Principal Nursing Officer rank from the promotion structure.
Uchekukwu warns that staffing shortages are already affecting patient care, with some wards left under the supervision of a single nurse.
“This situation is unsafe for patients and staff alike,” he says.
Responding, the hospital’s Head of Finance and Accounts, Lucky Abumere, describes the strike as “deeply concerning” and confirms that the Federal Ministry of Health has been notified.
“Some of these issues require ministerial intervention, especially in the absence of a governing board,” Abumere says.
He adds that discussions are ongoing and expresses hope that dialogue will restore services.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
