₦20,000 annual uniform allowance grossly insufficient – NANNM

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) on Thursday stated that the ₦20,000 annual uniform allowance for its members is grossly insufficient, requesting systemic reforms that include the establishment of a Directorate of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, to be headed by a registered nurse.

The union, in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), is holding its biannual National Examiners Workshop in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, even as the association continues its nationwide seven-day warning strike.

Speaking to journalists at the opening ceremony, Comrade Obasi Chukwu, the Ebonyi State Chairman of NANNM, stated that the state was designated as the host centre for the Southeast zone and is currently hosting nursing professionals from across the country for the high-level training session aimed at enhancing capacity for the effective conduct of professional examinations in nursing and midwifery.

He noted that the workshop is part of the council’s strategy to standardise assessment practices and enhance the competence of examiners nationwide.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and NMCN for choosing Ebonyi, citing the state’s substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure and nursing education. The event was officially declared open by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, who represented Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifur

Comrade Chukwu praised the Nwifuru-led administration for its support of the nursing profession, especially the upgrade of the state’s School of Nursing to a fully accredited College offering both Nursing and Midwifery programmes, and the construction of a ₦500 million ultramodern hostel for students.

However, Chukwu confirmed that although the workshop proceeded smoothly, Ebonyi State has fully complied with the ongoing warning strike by nurses, in solidarity with colleagues across the federation.

Health institutions, including the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, are reportedly observing the industrial action.

He stated that the strike became necessary due to the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding issues affecting the welfare and professional development of nurses.

These, according to him, included poor remuneration, the non-centralisation of internship placements for nursing graduates, inadequate recruitment of qualified nurses, and the government’s persistent disregard for court judgments in favour of the profession.

Chukwu decried the annual ₦20,000 uniform allowance as grossly insufficient and called for systemic reforms, including the establishment of a Directorate of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, to be headed by a registered nurse.

“We are not just fighting for ourselves. We are advocating for conditions that will enable nurses to deliver better care to Nigerians. A well-treated nurse is a more effective caregiver,” she hinted.

The warning strike, which began earlier this week, is expected to last seven days, pending further engagements with the Federal Government.