Nurses in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, have launched a three-day warning strike, with a warning to make it indefinite from next week Monday, Dec. 16, if their grievances are not addressed. The warning strike started yesterday and affects all government hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Giving notice of the industrial action, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (FCT Council) said it had informed FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, of its intention. The association said in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Mohammed Bida, and Secretary, Mrs. Christiana Kagah: “After exhaustive deliberations, the house resolved as follows: That since the extension of the 21 days ultimatum elapsed on November 28, 2013, and issues raised have not been met, notice of three days warning strike is hereby given which shall commence by 12:00 midnight of Tuesday (yesterday) December 10 2013.

“That if nothing is done on the issues raised, after the warning strike, the members will commence an definite strike as from Monday December 16 2013 without further notice, until our demands are fully met.”

News Express learnt that the nurses’ grievances include stoppage of October salaries of some of those not captured during the biometric data verification in FCTA hospitals, without official notice; inadequacy of Nurses/Midwives; non-release of 2012 promotion list; lack of training and retraining of Nurses and opening of new units in FCTA Hospitals without corresponding staff.

Reacting to the development, the Head (Public Relations Unit) of Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT, Mr. Badaru Yakassai, assured that “the matter is being settled amicably.”

•Photo shows FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed.