Ondo Nurses Begin Indefinite Strike Over Poor Welfare

Ondo State nurses, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have commenced an indefinite strike from Friday, 31st of January, 2025, citing poor welfare and the government’s failure to honor salary agreements as reasons. 

At a press briefing in Akure on Thursday, NANNM State Chairman, Felix Orobode, criticized the  neglect of nurses by the government, despite their vital role in healthcare delivery. A situation he described as being unacceptable.

Orobode stated that nurses in Ondo State often take on multiple roles in hospitals, acting as doctors, pharmacists, and even security personnel. Yet, their contributions have not been adequately recognized or rewarded.

He blamed the ongoing brain drain, worsened by the “Japa” syndrome, for the dwindling number of healthcare workers. Despite this, nurses have remained committed to saving lives, but the government’s response has been disappointing.

The association revealed that the government failed to implement salary adjustments under the CONHESS structure, despite approving a new wage plan. Nurses were excluded from salary increases granted to other health workers in July 2024.

According to Orobode, after negotiations, an agreement was reached for a new salary structure to take effect in January 2025. However, the state government allegedly paid salaries using the outdated salary scale.

Frustrated by the government’s insensitivity, NANNM’s State Executive Council convened an emergency meeting on Thursday, where they unanimously decided to embark on a strike until their demands are met.

“All nurses and midwives under Ondo State’s employment are directed to withdraw their services from 12 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, until our demands are fully addressed,” the association declared.