Ondo Nurses Declare Indefinite Strike Over Poor Welfare

Ondo Nurses Declare Indefinite Strike Over Poor Welfare

Nurses in Ondo State, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have announced an indefinite strike starting Friday, January 31, 2025, citing the government’s continued neglect of their welfare…READ MORE…

Speaking at a press conference in Akure on Thursday, Felix Orobode, the state chairman of NANNM, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address critical concerns despite the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system.

Key Grievances

Orobode criticized the government for treating nurses’ welfare with levity, despite their immense contributions to healthcare delivery.

“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of healthcare in Ondo State, often taking on multiple roles in hospitals and health centers due to staff shortages. Yet, our sacrifices are not being appropriately rewarded,” he said.

He further lamented that despite the ongoing brain drain caused by the ‘Japa’ syndrome, nurses have remained committed to reducing morbidity and mortality in the state, only to be met with government inaction.

Unmet Agreements and Salary Disparities

The association accused the government of failing to honor agreements made during previous negotiations regarding salary adjustments and welfare improvements.

• Despite the approval of the N73,000 minimum wage, salary adjustments for nurses under the CONHESS structure have been marred by irregularities.
• While other healthcare professionals received salary adjustments in July 2024, nurses were excluded, leading to growing frustration.
• Nurses had reached an agreement for a new salary structure to take effect in January 2025, yet salaries were still paid based on the old structure, violating the agreement.

Decision to Strike

Following what it described as the government’s insensitivity, the association’s State Executive Council held an emergency meeting on Thursday and resolved to withdraw services indefinitely.

“After reviewing our discussions with the government, we concluded that we have been taken for granted. Therefore, all nurses and midwives under Ondo State’s employment are to commence an indefinite strike from 12:00 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025, until our demands are fully met,” the statement read.

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