The Ondo State Government has urged striking nurses in public healthcare facilities to resume work, stating that their industrial action lacks justification.
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in the state declared an indefinite strike on Thursday, January 31, after an emergency meeting. The association’s leadership, led by Chairman Felix Orobode and Secretary Lucky Aremu, directed members to stay off duty until their demands are met.
Nurses’ Demands
The striking nurses are demanding:
- Full implementation of the agreed 100% salary structure for January 2025.
- Correction of the 2022 conversion exercise that led to alleged demotions.
- Payment of outstanding promotion arrears and hazard allowances.
- Resumption of negotiations on uniform allowance as stated in public service regulations.
According to the association, the government’s failure to address these concerns has left them with no choice but to take action.
“Nurses can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that has characterised our relationship with the government,” NANNM stated.
Government’s Response
Reacting to the strike, the Ondo State Head of Service, Bayo Philip, expressed surprise, noting that the nurses had recently benefited from a salary increase following the implementation of the N73,000 minimum wage.
Philip explained that in mid-January, health workers, excluding medical doctors, met with the government to push for full implementation of the CONHESS Salary Table. It was agreed that the issue would be presented to the governor for consideration.
“The matter is currently being concluded, and this should not be a reason to delay the payment of January salaries,” Philip stated.
He urged the striking nurses to reconsider their stance, emphasizing that there was no deadlock in negotiations.
“Nurses in state hospitals should call off the strike, as the government will not tolerate any unnecessary disruption of healthcare services,” he warned.
While the government insists there is no basis for the strike, the nurses remain resolute in their demands, setting the stage for a tense standoff in the state’s healthcare sector.