The Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has issued a 14-day ultimatum, threatening to commence an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet.
In a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde on May 2, 2024, the council conveyed this resolution following discussions at its state executive council meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting deliberated on various issues concerning the welfare and career advancement of nurses employed by the state government.
Titled “Notification of 14-Day Ultimatum,” the letter was jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Adeyemi Samuel, and Secretary, Aina Emmanuel.
The demands presented by the nurses include addressing staff shortages, rectifying inaccuracies in promotion letters, and implementing adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, among other concerns.
As per the nurses, the ultimatum, initiated on May 2, 2024, is set to conclude on May 21, 2024. If their demands are not met by then, an indefinite strike will commence from midnight on May 22, 2024.
Nigeria is currently witnessing a significant departure of healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives. Factors contributing to this mass exodus include inadequate compensation, escalating insecurity, insufficient diagnostic facilities, unfavorable working conditions, and economic hardships.
In October 2023, Michael Nnachi, the President of NANNM, disclosed to our correspondent that nurses and midwives submit applications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria nearly every week, seeking either to emigrate from the country or to be relieved of their duties.
In 2022, Nnachi revealed that more than 57,000 nurses had migrated from Nigeria to seek better opportunities abroad over a five-year period from 2017 to 2022.
He said the mass exit leaves the remaining nurses overworked.
“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 Educator 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.
They also demand the adoption and implementation of lateral conversion/career progression for Nurses and Midwives on GL12 and above who have possessed degree certificates in Nursing Sciences, the payment of withheld January/February 2011 salaries to the nurses that are yet to be paid, and the payment of uniform allowance to all Nurses and Midwives in the service of Oyo state in line with public services rule.
It stated that if all the aforementioned demands are not addressed within 14 working days, the State Executive Council of NANNM will be left with no alternative but to instruct its members to commence an indefinite strike until all these grievances are resolved.
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