The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives,
NANNM, Nasarawa State Council, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Governor
Abdullahi Sule, threatening to commence an industrial strike if the demands of
health workers in the state are not addressed.
The association expressed concern over the state of the
health sector and warned of its imminent collapse if urgent steps are not
taken.
In a letter dated March 11th, signed by the state Chairman,
Attah Ayaka Avre and Secretary, Alaku Ayuba, the association pointed out
several demands that they claim have not been addressed by the state
government.
These demands include the gross manpower shortage in
hospitals, implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Health Salary Structure
CONHESS, implementation of the reviewed hazard allowance, and the payment of
2021 and 2022 uniform allowances.
The NANNM stated that despite previous correspondences and a
meeting with the Commissioner of Health on January 23rd, 2024, no tangible
progress has been made towards resolving these issues.
The association also raised concerns about the impact of
multiple taxation by the state government, which has significantly reduced the
take-home pay of its members..
The association urged the Governor to urgently address their
demands to improve the welfare and performance of nurses and midwives in the
state..
... They called for the employment of more nurses, midwives, and
clinical attendants, as well as the provision of modern equipment in hospitals
to enhance healthcare delivery.
In a bid to avert the looming industrial action, NANNM
appealed to the governor to engage in dialogue and ensure that their demands
are met promptly.
T hey stated the importance of the health sector in achieving
the governor’s development agenda for Nasarawa State and urged him to
prioritize the welfare of health workers to avoid a breakdown of services.
“The government should keep in touch with the reality of the
afore-listed demands and shun bad counsel from its cabinet who may be giving
wrong advice to the government.
“We also hope that the government will call us to a
negotiating table soon before it gets out of hand,” they advised.