The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have directed their affiliated health sector unions at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) to commence an indefinite strike starting at midnight on Sunday, 26 July 2026. The industrial action follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the hospital’s management over the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the enrolment of workers on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) through an authenticated nominal roll.
Union Directives and Planned Picketing
In a joint notice signed by Ondo State NLC Chairman Ademola Olapade and TUC counterpart Clement Fatuase, the unions instructed all affiliates to withdraw their services from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday until further notice. They also called for a peaceful picketing of the hospital on Monday, 27 July, to press for the implementation of the MoU and the protection of workers’ rights.
The notice stated: “Following the expiration of the seven (7) days ultimatum without any resolution, the Organized Labour in Ondo State hereby directs all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in FUTATH to commence an indefinite industrial action. Accordingly, all affiliates are to withdraw their services with effect from 12:00 midnight on Sunday, 26th July, 2026, until further notice. Furthermore, all affiliate unions are directed to mobilize their members for a peaceful picketing of FUTATH on Monday, 27th July, 2026, in support of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the protection of the rights of the affected workers. This directive follows the failure of the appropriate authorities to address the legitimate demands of Organized Labour. All affiliates are enjoined to ensure total compliance with this directive. Effective Date: Sunday, 26th July, 2026 Commencement Time: 12:00 Midnight. An Injury to One is an Injury to All.”
Core Demands of Organized Labour
The unions’ demands include the immediate enrollment of all workers listed on the authenticated nominal roll into the IPPIS without discrimination; an end to any practice compelling workers to renounce lawful trade union membership; cessation of alleged intimidation and victimization of labour leaders and union members; and full compliance with the terms of the MoU.
According to the notice, the strike became necessary after the relevant authorities failed to address these demands following the ultimatum’s expiry. The dispute has been ongoing for weeks, with workers accusing the hospital management of stalling on the IPPIS enrolment agreed upon in the MoU.
Failed Reconciliation Efforts
The strike notice comes despite ongoing attempts by the Federal Ministry of Health to mediate. A delegation led by Deputy Director and Resident Labour Desk Officer Festus Igbinosun was scheduled to meet with union leaders on Friday, 24 July, but the meeting was postponed after the unions requested a new date, citing unavoidable engagements in a letter dated 23 July.
The Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Olusegun Ojo, welcomed the intervention of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare in the crisis. He stated that the management had consistently engaged the unions through dialogue and expressed concern that repeated industrial actions had disrupted patient care, clinical services, and the hospital’s developmental efforts. Ojo reaffirmed the management’s commitment to dialogue, due process, and an open-door policy, appealing for continued support from the Federal Ministry of Health and labour leaders to achieve a lasting resolution.
Impact and Next Steps
The indefinite strike is expected to severely affect healthcare delivery at FUTATH, a major tertiary hospital serving Ondo State and surrounding regions. Patients may face delays in treatment and surgery cancellations. The unions have vowed to continue the strike until all demands are met, while the hospital management continues to seek a negotiated settlement. The Federal Ministry of Health has not yet announced a new date for reconciliation talks.
