Nurses withdraw services in Ondo over ‘improper remuneration’

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo state council, has directed members to withdraw their services from January 31.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Felix Orobode, the council’s chairman, said since 2023, the association held various engagements with the government, but none of their demands have been addressed.

He said despite numerous rounds of negotiation, the government refused to honor its commitment.

“Following the approval of the #73,000 minimum wage by His Excellency, the adjustment made on our salary structure (CONHESS) was marred with irregularities which our Association and other unions under the salary structure immediately rejected,” he said.

“This necessitated another rounds of negotiation where a consensus was reached to have another table (CONHESS) with implementation from January 2025 salary. To our dismay, the January 2025 salary was paid with the old salary table which was never part of our agreement.

“Based on the unhealthy development, an emergency SEC meeting was summoned for today Thursday 30th January, 2025.”

Orobode said the association resolved to direct all the nurses and midwives under the employment of Ondo state to withdraw their services indefinitely with effect from 12:00am January, 31, until the demands are met by the state government.

The demands include payment of the balance of January 2025 salary as agreed with the 100 percent new salary table; correction of the 2022 conversion exercise where our members were indirectly demoted and lateral (point to point) conversion in subsequent conversion exercises; payment of the arrears of promotion and hazard allowances; and resumption of negotiation on uniform allowance for nurses as captured in the public service rule.

“The government’s refusal to address nurses’ welfare has left us with no other option but to take this action. Nurses can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that has characterized our relationship with the government,” the chairman said.

“The indefinite withdrawal of our services is not just a stand for better salaries—it is a demand for justice, equity, and recognition of the pivotal role nurses play in the healthcare system.

“We appeal to all well-meaning stakeholders and members of the public to understand and support our cause, as this action is ultimately in the best interest of Healthcare delivery in Ondo state.”