By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Healthcare services in Ondo State are set to experience major disruptions as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Council, has directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike from midnight on Friday, January 31, 2025.
The decision was reached during an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Akure on Thursday, 30th January 2025.
In a press release signed by the Association’s Chairman, Comrade Felix A. Orobode, and Acting Secretary, Comrade Lucky Okikiola Aremu, the nurses accused the Ondo State Government of failing to fulfil multiple agreements on their welfare and remuneration.
They cited the non-payment of the agreed 100% new salary structure for January 2025, failure to correct the 2022 conversion exercise, unpaid arrears of promotion and hazard allowances, and the prolonged delay in negotiating uniform allowances as stipulated in the Public Service Rule.
The Association expressed frustration over the state government’s neglect, stating that despite repeated engagements since 2023, their demands have remained largely ignored.
They highlighted how nurses, often overburdened due to staff shortages caused by the ‘japa’ syndrome and migration to better-paying federal and neighbouring state health institutions, have continued to play critical roles beyond their duties, sometimes acting as doctors, pharmacists, and even security personnel in some hospitals.
The nurses also decried what they termed “favouritism” in the government’s handling of salary adjustments, noting that while other health professionals received a favourable salary review in July 2024, nurses were left out.
Although a consensus was later reached to implement a revised salary structure (CONHESS) from January 2025, the government allegedly reneged on this agreement by paying salaries using the old structure.
Given these developments, the Association declared that nurses would not resume work until all their demands are met.
They called on the public and relevant stakeholders to support their cause, emphasising that their strike is not merely about salaries but a broader struggle for justice, equity, and recognition of their vital role in the healthcare system.
The Ondo State Government has yet to issue an official response to the strike action.
