Nurses Begin Indefinite Strike in Ondo
Fidelis David in Akure
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Council, yesterday ordered its members to embark on an indefinite strike in all state government’s health facilities.
The association’s leadership took the decision in Akure at an emergency meeting.
A press release issued by the Chairman, Felix Orobode and Acting Secretary, Lucky Aremu, cemented the decision of the union, directing its members to stay off duty from 12:00am Friday of January 31, 2025 until their demands are met by the state government.
The statement noted that the demands of the union include: Payment of the balance of January 2025 salary as agreed, with the 100 per cent new salary table.
“Correction of the 2022 Conversion Exercise where our members were indirectly demoted and lateral (point to point) conversion in subsequent Conversion Exercises. – Payment of the arrears of Promotion and Hazard Allowances.
“Resumption of negotiation on Uniform Allowance for Nurses as captured in the Public Service rule. The government’s refusal to address nurses’ welfare has left us with no other option but to take this action. Nurses can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that has characterized our relationship with the government,” the group said.
NANNM stressed that the indefinite withdrawal of its services is not just a stand for better salaries but a demand for justice, equity, and recognition of the pivotal role nurses play in the healthcare system.
“It is imperative to underscore the troubling trend where professionals in the healthcare sector, particularly the nurses and midwives, are leaving the service of Ondo State. This exodus is not limited to migration abroad; many are also moving to the Federal Health Institutions and neighbouring states that offer more attractive working conditions and improved remuneration packages.
“This brain drain poses a significant challenge to the state’s healthcare delivery system, as well as to the broader public service, requiring urgent attention and intervention to retain skilled personnel and ensure the sustainability of essential services for the people of Ondo State.
“Since the year 2023, various engagements have been held with the government where we tabled our demands but none of them was thoroughly addressed. These demands include: lateral conversion for our nurses with first degree certificate, uniform allowance for Nurses as captured in the Public Service Rule.
“Also, payment of arrears of promotion and hazard allowances, conducive environment of our health facilities with provision of adequate hospital equipment to work with and proper placement/remuneration of our nurses and midwives”.
It stressed that despite numerous rounds of negotiation, unwavering patience and significant concessions made by the association, the government refused in honouring its commitment.
“Following the approval of the N73,000 minimum wage, the adjustment made on our salary structure (CONHESS) was marred with irregularities which our association and other unions under the salary structure immediately rejected.
“This necessitated another round of negotiation where a consensus was reached to have another table (CONHESS) with implementation from January 2025 salary. To our dismay, the January 2025 salary was paid with the old salary table which was never part of our agreement.
“The government’s refusal to address nurses’ welfare has left us with no other option but to take this action. Nurses can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that has characterized our relationship with the government,” it added.
