Nurses and midwives at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have joined the ongoing seven-day nationwide warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The UCH chapter of the association commenced the strike on Wednesday, following a congress meeting. Speaking to reporters, the branch chairperson, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, said the action was in compliance with the directive from the national headquarters of NANNM due to the Federal Government’s failure to address key demands.
Faminu outlined the union’s grievances, which include the urgent recruitment of more nursing personnel, improved hospital facilities, and the establishment of a directorate for nurses within the Federal Ministry of Health.
She also highlighted additional demands such as:
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Equitable representation of nurses in health policy decisions at the federal level
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Centralised internship training for nurses
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A comprehensive review of allowances for nurses and midwives
While expressing empathy for patients, Faminu emphasized that the strike was not intended to cause harm or abandon those in need of care.
“We are deeply concerned about our patients. It’s not in our nature to leave them unattended,” she said. “But this is a necessary action. Nurses provide compassionate and skilled care in all settings, yet we are stretched beyond limit. We appeal to patients for their understanding.”
She reassured the public that other healthcare workers would be available to handle emergencies during the strike period.
The strike officially began at midnight on July 29 and is expected to end on August 5. Faminu warned that if the government fails to respond, the union would issue a 21-day ultimatum, which could lead to an indefinite industrial action.
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