The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has initiated an indefinite strike. This action stems from the hospital management’s failure to implement the revised National Minimum Wage and address other outstanding welfare concerns.
Leaders of the association, including LAUTECH’s Chairman Ojewumi Olutayo and Secretary Adedokun Foluwake, announced the strike in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday.
The decision to strike followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum given to hospital authorities, which passed without any substantial response to the union’s demands.
The strike officially commenced on Friday, triggered by the management’s continued inaction despite numerous negotiations and reminders aimed at resolving the issues.
The union highlighted that staff at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital have endured persistent neglect, with their welfare lagging behind that of employees in other state-run health facilities who have already benefited from enhanced remuneration packages.
“Workers at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital have been systematically marginalized, with their welfare needs ignored in contrast to their counterparts in other state health institutions enjoying better conditions,” the union emphasized.
Among the primary demands are the immediate enforcement of the updated National Minimum Wage and related salary adjustments, effective from January 2025.
Additional requests include the settlement of promotion arrears dating from 2018 to 2024, hiring more nursing staff to alleviate critical shortages, and upgrading nurses’ stations and rest areas to foster a more conducive working environment.
The union stressed that the ongoing delays in fulfilling these obligations have led to financial hardship, diminished staff morale, and the loss of experienced healthcare professionals within the hospital.
They also pointed out that as the sole state-owned tertiary healthcare facility in Oyo State, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital serves as a vital referral center for patients from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and surrounding areas.
The association cautioned that the strike threatens to significantly disrupt medical services for thousands, including vulnerable groups such as expectant mothers, children, trauma victims, and emergency patients.
Calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene promptly, the union urged for equitable treatment and improved welfare for hospital staff, emphasizing that maintaining industrial peace is essential for delivering high-quality healthcare across the state.
While reaffirming their dedication to professional standards and patient care, the nurses and midwives declared that the strike will persist until all their demands are satisfactorily addressed.
