Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have commenced an indefinite strike, citing the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage and long-standing welfare concerns.

The industrial action was confirmed in a joint statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by the Unit Chairman, Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Adedokun Foluwake, of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Unit.

According to the union, the strike began on Friday following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the hospital management. Despite multiple meetings and reminders, no concrete steps were taken to address their demands.

“Workers at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital have endured systemic neglect, with their welfare continually sidelined in comparison to colleagues in other state-owned health institutions, who already benefit from improved packages,” the statement read.

The union outlined its key demands, which include the immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and consequential adjustments effective from January 2025,  the payment of  promotion arrears from 2018 to 2024, the urgent recruitment of more nurses to address critical staff shortages and renovation and proper furnishing of nurses’ stations and restrooms to improve working conditions 

They noted that the continued delay in addressing these issues has led to financial hardship, low morale, and a steady loss of skilled staff.

The nurses warned that the ongoing strike could significantly disrupt services at the hospital, which serves as the only state-owned tertiary health facility in Oyo and a major referral centre for neighbouring states, including Osun and Kwara.

”This action will affect thousands of patients, including pregnant women, children, accident victims, and emergency cases,” the union stated.

They called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene urgently and ensure equity and fairness in the treatment of healthcare workers, stressing that industrial harmony is essential for maintaining quality healthcare delivery across the state.

While reiterating their commitment to professionalism and quality service, the nurses affirmed that the strike would continue until all demands are fully met.