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Nurses in Ondo State, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, have declared an indefinite strike starting Friday, January 31, 2025, over what they described as the government’s neglect of their welfare.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday the state chairman of NANNM, Felix Orobode, lamented that despite the critical role nurses play in the state’s healthcare system, the government had failed to address their concerns.
Orobode accused the government of handling nurses’ welfare issues with levity, despite their immense contributions to healthcare delivery.
“It is pertinent to let the public know what Ondo State nurses have been enduring, especially regarding our welfare.
“Nurses and midwives are the most available healthcare professionals across the state’s 18 local government areas In many of our facilities, nurses take on multiple roles -acting as doctors, pharmacists, health information officers, and even security personnel, particularly in general hospitals and health centres.
“Despite the ongoing brain drain caused by the ‘Japa’ syndrome, we have remained committed to reducing morbidity and mortality in the state. However, the government has refused to reward our sacrifices appropriately,” he said.
The association accused the government of failing to honour agreements reached during previous negotiations on salary adjustments and welfare improvements.
Orobode revealed that despite the approval of the N73,000 minimum wage, the salary adjustment for nurses under the CONHESS structure was riddled with irregularities, prompting the association to reject the implementation.
He further alleged that while other health professionals benefited from salary adjustments in July 2024, nurses were left out, leading to further frustration and agitation.
“After several rounds of negotiation, we agreed on a new salary structure with implementation set for January 2025.
“To our dismay, however, the January 2025 salaries were paid using the old salary table, completely disregarding our agreement,” he added.
Following what it described as government’s insensitivity the association’s State Executive Council held an emergency meeting on Thursday and resolved to embark on an indefinite strike.
“After reviewing our discussions with the government, we concluded that we have been taken for granted.
“We, therefore, direct all nurses and midwives under Ondo State’s employment to withdraw their services indefinitely from 12am on Friday, January 31, 2025, until our demands are fully met,” the statement read.
