Nurses at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have joined the ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to press for improved welfare and working conditions.
The UCH chapter commenced its participation in the strike on Wednesday after a branch congress meeting, in compliance with directives from the association’s national headquarters.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), UCH NANNM Chairperson Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu explained that the strike was necessitated by the Federal Government’s failure to address key demands. These include the employment of more nursing personnel, improved hospital facilities, and the creation of a directorate cadre for nurses within the Federal Ministry of Health.
Additional demands outlined by the association are equitable representation of nurses in the ministry, centralisation of internship training, and a review of allowances for nurses and midwives.
Faminu emphasised that the strike action was not intended to harm patients, but rather to advocate for better healthcare delivery.
“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.”
She noted that other healthcare professionals remain on duty to handle emergencies during the industrial action.
The nationwide strike, which began at midnight on July 29, is expected to run until August 5. According to Faminu, if the government fails to address the union’s demands at the end of the warning strike, NANNM will issue a 21-day ultimatum before embarking on an indefinite strike.
The nurses’ action is part of a broader movement across the country calling for urgent reforms in the healthcare sector, with many stakeholders warning that prolonged industrial disputes could further strain Nigeria’s overstretched medical system.
