UCH Nurses Join Nationwide Strike Over Staffing, Welfare Demands, Warn of Indefinite Action

Nurses and midwives at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan have joined the ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), citing unaddressed demands from the Federal Government.

The strike action at UCH commenced shortly after the hospital’s NANNM branch held a congress on Wednesday, July 30. The group appealed to patients for understanding, emphasizing that their decision was driven by necessity, not neglect.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the branch chairperson, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, said the action was mandated by the national leadership of NANNM after prolonged government inaction on key issues affecting the nursing profession.

According to Faminu, the association is calling for the employment of more nursing personnel, improved healthcare infrastructure, and the creation of a directorate for nurses within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Other pressing demands include; fair representation of nurses at decision-making levels within the ministry, centralisation of internship programmes, and a comprehensive review of nurses’ allowances and benefits.

“We are deeply concerned about our patients,” Faminu stated. “This strike isn’t meant to leave them stranded. But we’ve been pushed to this point, and we ask for their patience and understanding.”

She stressed that while nurses are off duty, other healthcare professionals remain available to handle emergencies.

The nationwide strike officially began at midnight on July 29 and is scheduled to end on August 5. However, Faminu warned that if the government fails to respond meaningfully, the association would issue a 21-day ultimatum — after which an indefinite strike may follow.

“This is a just cause,” she added. “Nurses are vital to the health system, and it’s time our value is properly recognized.”