Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
The Benue State Government has officially stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia was not formally notified about the ongoing industrial action by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), despite the strike having entered its eighth week.
The clarification was issued following a courtesy visit by the state executive of NANNM to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Moses Atagher, at the Government House in Makurdi. The delegation was led by the State Chairman of NANNM, Kershio Tahav, accompanied by the State Secretary, Amanyii Margaret, and a former union chairman, Grace Iorhe.
According to government sources, the absence of an official communication to the Governor has left the state administration without formal knowledge of the strike’s details, demands, or duration, even as the industrial action continues to affect healthcare services across public hospitals and health facilities in the state.
The visit by the NANNM leadership was seen as an opportunity to formally bring the matter to the attention of the Governor’s office through the Chief of Staff. While the specific discussions during the meeting were not disclosed, the government’s statement underscores the need for proper channels of engagement in addressing labour disputes.
The prolonged strike by nurses and midwives has raised concerns among residents, with many questioning the impact on maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, and overall patient care in government-run facilities.
Observers expect that the formal engagement with the Governor’s office may pave the way for dialogue aimed at resolving the impasse and ensuring the return of nurses and midwives to their duty posts.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of workers and the improvement of healthcare delivery, while calling for constructive and official communication in labour-related matters.
