Breaking: Ondo Nurses Commence Indefinite Strike Action – What You Need to Know

Ondo Nurses on Indefinite Strike: Implications for Healthcare Services

Nurses and midwives employed by the Ondo State government have initiated an indefinite strike, citing issues related to poor remuneration and inadequate welfare. The strike commenced at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, affecting all state-owned health institutions.

Felix Orobode, the state chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), announced the strike during a press conference in Akure. He highlighted that the state government has been unresponsive to the association’s demands since 2023, despite multiple engagements. Key issues include:

• Lateral conversion for nurses with first-degree certificates.
• Provision of uniform allowances as stipulated in public service rules.
• Payment of arrears for promotions and hazard allowances.
• Improvement of working conditions and provision of adequate hospital equipment.
• Proper placement and remuneration of nurses and midwives.

Orobode expressed disappointment that, despite negotiations and patience from the association, the government has not honored its commitments. He noted that while other professions in the health sector received salary adjustments in July 2024, nurses were overlooked. The association rejected a subsequent salary adjustment due to irregularities and was dismayed when the January 2025 salary was paid using the old salary structure, contrary to prior agreements.

In response, the association’s State Executive Council convened an emergency meeting and resolved to commence the indefinite strike. Orobode emphasized that nurses and midwives can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect from the government. He appealed to stakeholders and the public for understanding and support, stating that the action is in the best interest of healthcare delivery in Ondo State.