Nurses in Ondo State have commenced an indefinite strike action, grounding activities in all state-owned health institutions from today, January 31, 2025. The strike, spearheaded by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), stems from the state government’s alleged neglect of nurses’ welfare, despite their pivotal role in the healthcare system.
The state chairman of NANNM, Felix Orobode, announced the strike at a press briefing in Akure, the state capital. “It is pertinent to let the public know what Ondo State nurses have been enduring, especially regarding our welfare. Nurses and midwives are the most available healthcare professionals across the state’s 18 local government areas, yet our concerns have been treated with levity,” Orobode stated.
The nurses’ grievances include the government’s failure to address long-standing issues such as the lateral conversion of nurses with first-degree certificates, payment of uniform allowances, arrears of promotion and hazard allowances, and the provision of a conducive working environment with adequate hospital equipment. These demands have been tabled to the government since 2023, but according to Orobode, none have been adequately addressed.
The strike’s immediate effect has been the paralysis of medical services in all government hospitals in Ondo State. Patients have faced significant disruptions, and emergency services have been notably impacted. This move by the nurses comes after what they describe as years of patience and multiple unheeded engagements with the government.
Orobode emphasized, “We, therefore, direct all nurses and midwives under Ondo State’s employment to withdraw their services indefinitely from 12am on Friday, January 31, 2025, until our demands are fully met.” He appealed to the public for understanding and support, underlining that the strike is a necessary action for the betterment of healthcare delivery in the state.
Attempts to get the state government’s response to the strike have been unsuccessful. The administration led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has not yet issued a public statement regarding the nurses’ actions or the welfare issues at hand.
This strike adds to a series of labor actions in the health sector in Ondo State, with previous strikes by doctors and other medical staff highlighting similar grievances. The healthcare system here is now at a critical juncture, with the strike potentially exacerbating existing challenges in delivering quality healthcare services to the populace.
The public and stakeholders are now watching closely to see how negotiations will unfold and whether this strike will prompt the state government to address the nurses’ demands swiftly to restore normalcy to healthcare services in Ondo State.