Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage and unresolved welfare matters.

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

According to the union, the strike commenced on Friday following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum earlier given to the hospital management. The nurses explained that despite repeated engagements and reminders, no concrete measures were taken to address their grievances.

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“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,” the statement read.

The association listed its key demands to include the 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 cushion severe staff shortages, and renovation of nurses’ stations and restrooms to improve working conditions.

It further emphasized that the prolonged neglect of these demands has led to financial strain, low morale, and the exit of skilled professionals from the hospital.

Highlighting the strategic role of the facility, the union stressed that LAUTECH Teaching Hospital is the only state-owned tertiary health institution in Oyo State and serves as a referral center for patients from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and neighboring communities.

They cautioned that the strike could disrupt essential healthcare services for thousands of patients, including expectant mothers, children, accident victims, and emergency cases.

The union, therefore, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene in the matter, stressing that fairness and equity in staff welfare are vital 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 all their demands are fully met.

The development at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital adds to the growing wave of industrial actions within Nigeria’s health sector.