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The Benue State Government has stated that the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives in the state is not driven by political motives, dismissing claims of opposition infiltration as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued on January 18, 2026, the Chief of Staff to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Moses Atagher, revealed that the Governor was never formally briefed about the industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Benue State chapter. The disclosure came during a courtesy visit to Government House, Makurdi, by the union’s state leadership, including Chairman Kershio Tahav, State Secretary Amanyiyi Margaret, and former Chairman Grace Iorhe.
Atagher explained that the Governor had only been informed of the strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), and no official communication regarding the nurses’ action had reached his office despite the industrial dispute now stretching beyond seven weeks. He further noted that inquiries directed to the Office of the Head of Service and other relevant government bodies responsible for labour matters confirmed that those offices were similarly unaware of the strike.
The Chief of Staff rejected allegations suggesting the strike had been hijacked or sponsored by political opponents, asserting that such reports were baseless. He emphasized that Governor Alia could not have leveled accusations of political motivation against the nurses, given that he had not received any formal briefing on their grievances or the industrial action itself.
Atagher reaffirmed that the Office of the Head of Service remains the designated authority for engaging with labour unions on such matters. He disclosed that the Head of Service, working alongside the Special Adviser on Labour Matters and other stakeholders, would soon convene a meeting to address the concerns raised by NANNM members. He appealed to the striking nurses to stay united and patient as preparations for formal dialogue get underway.
In response, the union leadership maintained its position that the strike would persist until meaningful engagement is initiated by the government. The statement from NANNM’s State Public Relations Officer, Ikpeeker Daniel, concluded with the rallying cry, “Aluta continua,” signaling the nurses’ determination to sustain the action.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the prolonged strike on healthcare delivery across Benue State, particularly in public hospitals and primary health centres where nurses play a critical frontline role. The clarification from the Governor’s office appears aimed at dispelling rumours of political interference while signaling an intent to open formal negotiations in the near term.
As both sides await the promised meeting, the situation underscores broader challenges in labour relations within the state’s public sector, where communication gaps and delayed responses have contributed to extended industrial disputes.
