Akure, Nigeria – Nurses in Ondo State, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have announced an indefinite strike beginning Friday, January 31, 2025. The decision comes in response to the state government’s alleged neglect of their welfare, despite their critical role in the healthcare system.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Thursday, NANNM State Chairman Felix Orobode expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances. He underscored the indispensable role of nurses in healthcare delivery across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas, highlighting that many nurses frequently assume multiple roles, including those of doctors, pharmacists, health information officers, and even security personnel, especially in general hospitals and health centres.
Orobode criticized the state government for what he described as indifference towards nurses’ welfare, despite their contributions to reducing morbidity and mortality in the state. He noted that even as many healthcare professionals leave the country due to the ongoing ‘Japa’ syndrome, nurses in Ondo have remained steadfast in their duties, yet their sacrifices have not been duly recognized or rewarded.
“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,” Orobode stated.
The association further accused the government of reneging on agreements made during past negotiations concerning salary adjustments and overall welfare improvements. Orobode explained that while the state had approved a minimum wage of N73,000, irregularities in the salary adjustment for nurses under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) rendered the implementation unacceptable to the association.
He pointed out that other healthcare professionals received salary adjustments in July 2024, yet nurses were excluded, exacerbating discontent within the profession.
“After several rounds of negotiation, we agreed on a new salary structure with implementation set for January 2025,” Orobode explained. “To our dismay, however, the January 2025 salaries were paid using the old salary table, completely disregarding our agreement.”
In response, NANNM has directed all nurses and midwives employed by the Ondo State government to withdraw their services indefinitely from 12 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, until their demands are fully met.
The strike is expected to significantly impact healthcare delivery across the state, particularly in public health facilities. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the government’s response to avert a prolonged crisis in the sector.
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