UCH Ibadan Nurses Join Nationwide Strike Over Staffing, Welfare
- Nurses at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, have joined a nationwide warning strike following directives from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)
- The industrial action was triggered by unmet demands from the Federal Government, including calls for improved staffing, facilities, and welfare packages
- With the strike underway until August 5, emergency healthcare services remain available, while nurses warn of a possible indefinite strike if issues persist
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The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), has joined the ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike declared by the association’s national headquarters.
The action, which began officially at midnight on July 29, was in protest against the Federal Government’s failure to meet key demands raised by the body.
Source: UGC
According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), nurses at UCH Ibadan commenced the strike on Wednesday following a resolution reached during their congress. The branch subsequently urged patients to understand the motive behind the action and appealed for their patience.
Nurses strike over welfare and staffing shortfalls
Chairperson of the UCH NANNM chapter, Mrs Olufunmilola Faminu, confirmed that the strike stemmed from directives issued by the national leadership of the association, citing unfulfilled commitments by the Federal Government. She outlined the core demands, including the employment of additional nursing personnel and the provision of adequate medical infrastructure across health institutions.
In her statement, Faminu also advocated for the creation of a directorate cadre for nurses within the Federal Ministry of Health and called for fair representation of NANNM in the ministry’s policy-making structures. Additional demands comprised centralisation of internship programmes, a comprehensive review of allowances for nurses and midwives, and improved welfare provisions across the profession.
Despite the industrial action, Faminu emphasised that nurses remained deeply concerned about the wellbeing of their patients, stating:
“Sadly, we are so concerned about our patients; we don’t intend to leave them stranded without our care.”
“Nurses provide compassionate, competent care across all settings. But we have no choice but 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.”
The warning strike is scheduled to end on August 5. Mrs Faminu revealed that if the Federal Government fails to respond positively to the association’s demands within the stipulated period, NANNM will issue a 21-day ultimatum before escalating to an indefinite strike.
Source: UGC
Nationwide shutdown of hospitals looming
Legit.ng earlier reported that the fortunes of Nigeria’s healthcare sector are again at risk as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has announced a 7-day nationwide warning strike.
The strike, which takes effect from midnight on Tuesday, July 26, will affect all federal health institutions, including Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres across the country.
In a circular addressed to chairmen and secretaries of Federal Health Institutions, the union directed its members to completely withdraw their services, warning that no skeletal operations should be conducted during the strike.
Source: Legit.ng
