Nurses employed by the Anambra State Government protested at the Nurses House in Awka on Monday. They accuse the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Anambra State chapter (NANNM-Anambra), of failing to fight for their rights and better pay.
The nurses are upset that the state has not implemented the new 125% Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). This new structure was approved by the Federal Government and has already been adopted in some states. Instead, the union shifted a 15-day ultimatum issued in December 2024 to an indefinite date. This delay has left the nurses frustrated.
Many nurses said they have remained on the same level for over 13 years despite their important role in healthcare. They claim that even the initial 100% CONHESS was not implemented. One protester explained, “Our hazard allowance should be over N30,000, but we only get N3,000.”
Nurses also complained that they often work alone at night. They said that other health professionals, such as doctors and security personnel, are frequently absent. This lack of teamwork makes their job much harder.
Some nurses believe that their lack of promotion is due to being single-qualified. They say they are not given opportunities to upgrade their qualifications. This makes it difficult for them to improve their salaries.
In response, NANNM-Anambra State Chairman Edith Onwuka denied neglect. She said the union postponed the ultimatum to allow for negotiations with the state government. Onwuka explained that the government invited union leaders for talks with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike. She advised nurses to upgrade their qualifications to qualify for promotion.
Onwuka urged patience and promised that negotiations with the government would continue. She reassured the nurses that the union remains committed to improving their welfare.
