LAUTECH nurses, midwives begin indefinite strike over minimum wage

Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and long-standing welfare issues.

This was contained in a statement released by the Unit Chairman, Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Adedokun Foluwake, respectively in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday. Online reports that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Unit, began its strike, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the management of the hospital.

The association, which explained that the strike began, on Friday, said no meaningful steps were taken to address its demands despite repeated engagements and reminders.

LAUTECH Teaching Hospital workers have suffered systemic neglect, with their welfare consistently overlooked compared to counterparts in other state-owned health institutions in the state who already enjoy improved packages.

“Our key demands include immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments with effect from January 2025; payment of promotion arrears from 2018 to 2024; recruitment of additional nurses to address severe staff shortages; renovation and proper furnishing of nurses’ stations and restrooms to improve working conditions.”

The union stressed that the prolonged delay in meeting these obligations has created financial strain, low morale, and attrition of skilled personnel in the hospital.

They further noted that the teaching hospital, being the only state-owned tertiary health institution in the state, plays a critical role as a referral centre for patients from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and neighbouring communities.

“A strike, they warned, could severely disrupt services for thousands of patients, including pregnant women, children, accident victims, and emergency cases,” the union added.

It, therefore, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene to ensure fairness and equity in staff welfare, stressing that industrial harmony is key to sustaining quality healthcare delivery in the state.

While reaffirming their commitment to professional excellence and quality care, the nurses and midwives maintained that the strike would continue until their demands were fully met.

The industrial action at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital reflects wider unrest in Nigeria’s health sector.

report on Friday, that resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory suspended indefinite strike after the Senate intervened, even though their grievances over unpaid salary arrears, hazard allowances, residency training funds, and poor working conditions were not fully resolved.

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