Healthcare delivery was significantly disrupted at Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Wednesday, following a seven-day warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The hospital was seen discharging patients, halting new admissions, and operating on limited capacity due to the total absence of nurses. The development left outpatients unattended and admitted patients without nursing care.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the strike action was called by NANNM over the Federal Government’s failure to meet key demands, including a review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a separate salary structure, and mass employment of nurses nationwide. The association also demanded the establishment of a dedicated nursing department under the Federal Ministry of Health.
A NAN correspondent who visited the hospital observed nearly empty wards. Family members of patients confirmed that many had been asked to leave, including some in critical condition.
“My mother just had surgery on her leg and can’t walk,” said Mr. Adegoke Rahman, a concerned relative. “They told us to go home. Doctors are trying, but no nurses are attending to her.”
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Another patient, Mr. Samuel Biyi, said he was turned away from receiving wound treatment due to lack of staff. “My leg is hurting badly, and I couldn’t get treated,” he lamented.
One of the doctors on duty, who requested anonymity, confirmed that although doctors were still working, the hospital was no longer accepting new admissions and referred critical cases to private facilities.
The Oyo State chapter of NANNM confirmed compliance with the national directive through a statement signed by its secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Aina. The decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting held by the union.
Unless the government responds to their grievances, the strike threatens to cripple healthcare services in major public hospitals, particularly affecting vulnerable and low-income patients.
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