The University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) on Wednesday joined the ongoing seven-day warning strike declared by the association’s national leadership.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the UCH branch began the strike following a congress meeting and called on patients to be patient and understanding during the period.
Chairperson of the UCH chapter, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, explained that the strike was in compliance with directives from NANNM’s national headquarters, following the Federal Government’s failure to address key demands.
Among these demands are the recruitment of additional nursing staff, improved hospital facilities, and the creation of a directorate for nurses within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Faminu further outlined other requests, including fair representation of nurses at the ministry, centralized internship training for nursing graduates, and a review of allowances for nurses and midwives.
Expressing concern for patients, Faminu stressed that abandoning them was never the intention of the nurses.
“We are deeply concerned about our patients. Nurses deliver compassionate and skilled care across all healthcare settings. However, we have no alternative but to proceed with this strike. We sincerely appeal to our patients for understanding,” she said.
“This is a just cause. While nurses are participating in the strike, other healthcare professionals remain available to handle emergencies.”
She noted that the nationwide strike officially began at midnight on July 29 and is expected to end on August 5. If the government fails to meet their demands by then, the union plans to issue a 21-day ultimatum, after which an indefinite strike may follow.
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