Kehinde Fajobi
Nurses in Ondo State have commenced an indefinite strike, accusing the government of neglecting their welfare despite their critical role in healthcare delivery.
Speaking in Akure on Thursday, the chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in the state, Felix Orobode, criticised the government’s handling of nurses’ concerns.
“It is pertinent to let the public know what Ondo State nurses have been enduring, especially regarding our welfare,” he said.
Orobode lamented that nurses were being forced to take on multiple roles due to staff shortages, including acting as doctors, pharmacists, and security personnel in hospitals and health centres. Despite this, he said, their sacrifices were not being adequately 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,” he stated.
The association accused the government of failing to honour agreements on salary adjustments.
Orobode noted that while other health professionals benefited from salary reviews in July 2024, nurses were excluded.
He added, “After several rounds of negotiation, we agreed on a new salary structure with implementation set for January 2025.
“To our dismay, however, the January 2025 salaries were paid using the old salary table, completely disregarding our agreement.”
Frustrated by the government’s actions, the association’s State Executive Council held an emergency meeting on Thursday and resolved to embark on the strike.
“After reviewing our discussions with the government, we concluded that we have been taken for granted.
“We, therefore, direct all nurses and midwives under Ondo State’s employment to withdraw their services indefinitely from 12 am on Friday, January 31, 2025, until our demands are fully met,” the statement read.