Nurses at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have joined colleagues across the country in a week-long warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at the national level.
The UCH chapter of NANNM commenced the industrial action on Wednesday, following a resolution reached at a branch Congress.
While urging patients to show understanding, the nurses said the strike became necessary due to the federal government’s continued failure to address longstanding issues affecting their welfare and professional standing.
According to the branch chairperson, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, the decision to down tools was in line with directives from the Association’s national headquarters.
She noted that their demands include the recruitment of additional nursing staff, improved hospital infrastructure, and the creation of a directorate for nurses within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Faminu added that the association is also pushing for equitable representation in the Ministry of Health, a harmonised internship structure for nursing graduates, and an upward review of allowances for nurses and midwives.
“Sadly we are so concerned about our patients; we don’t intend to leave them stranded without our care,” she said.
“Nurses provide compassionate, competent care across all settings. But we have no choice than to embark on this strike; we appeal to our patients to bear with us.”
“This is a just course that we are fighting for. Nurses are the only ones embarking on this strike. There are other healthcare professionals around to attend to any emergency,” she assured.
The strike, which began at midnight on July 29, is expected to run until August 5. Faminu warned that if the government fails to act within the period, the association will issue a 21-day ultimatum and may proceed with a full-scale indefinite strike.
