The Oyo State council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has given the state government a 14-working-day ultimatum, warning of an indefinite strike if their demands are not met. In a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde on May 2, 2024, the council outlined concerns regarding the welfare and career progression of nurses employed by the state.

Signed by the council’s Chairman, Adeyemi Samuel, and Secretary, Aina Emmanuel, the letter titled ‘Notification of 14 days ultimatum’ highlighted issues such as staff shortages, incorrect notional dates on promotion letters, and the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

The ultimatum, initiated on May 2, 2024, will conclude on May 21, 2024. If their demands are not met by this date, the nurses will commence an indefinite strike starting from May 22, 2024, at midnight.

The nurses emphasized the severity of their grievances, citing longstanding issues and previous appeals to the government without satisfactory responses. Their demands include mass recruitment to address staff shortages, correction of promotion letter errors, adoption and implementation of salary adjustments, financial implementation of overdue promotions, enhanced hazard allowances, and career progression opportunities.

Additionally, they call for the payment of withheld salaries, uniform allowances, and lateral conversion for qualified nurses and midwives. Should their requests remain unmet within the stipulated timeframe, the State Executive Council of NANNM will have no choice but to instruct its members to commence an indefinite strike until their demands are addressed.