The Benue State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has warned that punitive actions allegedly taken by the management of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, could worsen and prolong the ongoing industrial action by nurses.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the state chairman of NANNM, Tahav Kershio, who condemned what he described as intimidation, threats, and punitive measures against striking nurses. He said such approaches were outdated, counterproductive, and capable of derailing peaceful efforts to resolve the dispute.
According to Kershio, several newly employed nurses are yet to receive their salaries, while older staff members are being paid only partially. He further alleged that some nurses were being threatened with dismissal, removal from confirmation, and other sanctions that could escalate tensions and draw national attention to the crisis at BSUTH.
The NANNM chairman expressed concern that these actions were taking place while the union leadership was engaged in high-level negotiations with the Benue State Government, accusing the hospital management of undermining efforts to end the strike.
Kershio revealed that over 100 nurses were owed between two and three months’ salary arrears spanning 2024 and 2025. He also said promotion shortfall arrears for 2023 remained unpaid, noting that affected nurses reportedly received only ₦120,000 instead of the approved ₦750,000, alongside other outstanding entitlements.
He added that similar unresolved issues affecting nurses under the Primary Health Care Board and the Hospital Management Board — including their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme — must be addressed before the union could consider suspending the strike.
Kershio noted that the grievances had lingered for more than a year despite repeated letters and meetings. He recalled that during the nationwide nurses’ strike, newly employed nurses at BSUTH were exempted to enable them pursue their unpaid 2024 allowances, but said no progress was made.
The NANNM chairman dismissed claims that the striking nurses were politically motivated or indifferent to the welfare of the hospital, describing such allegations as false and misleading. He emphasized that the association had no political agenda and had consistently acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia toward improving the health sector in Benue State.
Kershio appealed to the Benue State Government to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation of the crisis and restore industrial harmony at BSUTH.