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.
The council in a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 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 May 2, 2024, will end on May 21, 2024; and the indefinite strike will commence on May 22, Wednesday midnight if their demands are not met.
Nigeria is experiencing a massive exodus of healthcare workers, including nurses, and midwives. Poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions, and economic conditions are some of the reasons for the mass exodus.
In October 2023, the President of NANNM, Michael Nnachi told our correspondent that almost every week, nurses and midwives send applications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, either to leave the country or be relieved of their duties.
In 2022, Nnachi said over 57,000 nurses migrated from Nigeria for greener pastures abroad within a period of five years spanning from 2017 to 2022.
He said the mass exit leaves the remaining nurses overworked.
