The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Oyo State has issued a stern ultimatum to the state government, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike if their demands are not met within 14 working days.
In a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State council of NANNM outlined several critical issues affecting the welfare and career progression of nurses employed by the state government. Signed by the council’s Chairman, Adeyemi Samuel, and Secretary, Aina Emmanuel, the letter highlighted concerns including the shortage of staff, incorrect notional dates on promotion letters, and the implementation of adjusted salary structures.
The ultimatum, which commenced on May 2, 2024, is set to expire on May 21, 2024. Should their demands remain unaddressed by the deadline, nurses across the state will commence an indefinite strike starting from May 22, 2024, midnight.
This move comes amidst a backdrop of healthcare worker shortages and a mass exodus of nurses and midwives from Nigeria. Factors such as poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate facilities, and unfavorable working conditions contribute to the ongoing crisis.
President of NANNM, Michael Nnachi, previously stated the alarming rate at which healthcare professionals are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. In the past five years alone, over 57,000 nurses have migrated from Nigeria in pursuit of greener pastures.
The demands put forward by the Oyo State council of NANNM include mass recruitment of nurses and midwives to address staff shortages, correction of promotion letter discrepancies, and the implementation of enhanced hazard allowances and career progression opportunities.
If the state government fails to meet these demands within the stipulated timeframe, nurses across Oyo State will be directed by the NANNM State Executive Council to proceed with the indefinite strike until their grievances are resolved.
