Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Nurses in Anambra State, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have staged a protest against their poor working conditions in government-owned health institutions.
The nurses, who organized an interactive forum at their residential quarters, complained about the poor implementation of their salary structure, known as CONHESS, which has left their pay the lowest among neighboring states.
They expressed their grievances to the state chairperson of NANNM, Mrs. Edith Onwuka, stating, “We have never been paid more than 60 percent of our salary, even with the current minimum wage increment.”
The nurses highlighted the challenges they face in carrying out their duties, including overcrowded hospitals, with some wards housing over 80 patients despite being meant for 20 beds.
They also lamented the low hazard allowance, which remains at N3,000, far below the statutory N30,000. The group appealed to the state government to intervene, as their working conditions continue to worsen daily.
Mrs. Onwuka, assured the nurses that the leadership would reach out to the state government to resolve all pending issues.
She pleaded for patience among the members, stating that a meeting had been scheduled with the relevant authorities, expressing hope that their concerns would be addressed.
