Nurses employed by the Anambra State Government have taken to the streets, protesting the state’s refusal to implement the newly approved 125% Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), already adopted by several other states.
The protest, held at the Nurses House in Awka, highlighted frustrations over the state’s failure to address their demands for improved pay and career advancement.
The nurses accused the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Anambra chapter, of neglecting their cause.
“The reason for this protest is that nurses in Anambra have been complaining for years. The Federal Government approved the CONHESS salary structure, and while many states have implemented it, Anambra has not,” one protester stated.
Nurses lamented the disparity in allowances, with some revealing that their hazard allowance, meant to be over N30,000, is a mere N3,000.
They also expressed frustration over stagnation in their careers, citing instances where some nurses have remained on the same level for over 13 years without any promotion.
The NANNM-Anambra Chairman, Edith Onwuka, defended the union’s actions, explaining that the postponement of the strike was to allow for ongoing negotiations with the state government.
“In industrial disputes, you don’t jump into strike action immediately. After the ultimatum, the government invited us for discussions,” Onwuka clarified.
While negotiations continue, the nurses warned that their commitment to healthcare should not be mistaken for passivity, urging the state government to implement the CONHESS salary structure and address their career progression issues.