The Oyo State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if their demands are not met in 14 working days.
In a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday, the council stated that the resolution was made after its state executive council meeting held on Tuesday on issues affecting the welfare and career progression of nurses working with the state government.
The letter titled, ‘Notification of 14 days ultimatum,’ was signed by the council’s Chairman, Adeyemi Samuel, and Secretary, Aina Emmanuel.
The demands of the nurses border on shortage of staff, correction of the wrong notional date on promotion letters, and implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure, among others.
According to the nurses, the ultimatum which began on 2 May 2024, will end on 21 May 2024; and the indefinite strike will commence on 22 May, Wednesday midnight if their demands are not met.
“It’s pertinent to note that all these issues have been for a very long time and several letters have been written for the government to come to our aid without a positive response. Hence, we would be compelled to commence an indefinite strike at the expiration of our ultimatum if the following requests/prayers are not granted.
“Our prayers include – mass recruitment of nurses and midwives/nurse educators into hospitals management Board, Primary Health Care Board, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho and Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan, to address the gross shortage of staff to improve health care delivery in the state.
“Correction of the wrong notional date on the promotion letters issued to our members, adoption, and implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment circular for nurses and midwives working with the Oyo State Government.
“Financial implementation of 2018 to 2022 promotion for Nurses and Midwives working in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomosho. Adoption and implementation of Enhanced Hazard Allowances for Nurses and Midwives Working in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomosho, Oyo State College of Nursing Eleyele-Ibadan, Oyo State College of Health Technology Eleyele-Ibadan and Primary Health Care Development Board/LGA”, the letter read in part.
It is on record that Nigeria is experiencing a massive exodus of healthcare workers, including nurses, and midwives with poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions, and economic conditions being some of the reasons for the mass exodus.
