… NANNM says claims of unpaid salaries and withheld allowances are false, misleading
… Chairman urges public to disregard report, says welfare issues are addressed through internal mechanisms
Akinpelu Olayinka
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta chapter, has strongly dissociated its members from a publication alleging that nurses at the institution are being owed salaries and denied welfare entitlements, describing the report as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the hospital.
The union, under the leadership of its Chairman, Comrade (Nurse) Adekunle Oluwafunmilola, said the publication does not reflect the realities at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and should be disregarded by members of the public.
The reaction follows a recent statement issued by the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF), which alleged, among other claims, that newly employed nurses at the hospital were owed salaries and that welfare and working conditions had deteriorated.
Speaking with Medalinks Media Africa, Comrade Adekunle categorically refuted the allegations, stressing that the publication was unfounded and did not emanate from the recognised leadership or members of the nursing workforce at the centre.
According to her, the management of FMC Abeokuta remains committed to the welfare of its workforce and has continued to address staff concerns through established administrative channels.
“As far as we are concerned, the publication is unfounded and does not represent the position of nurses at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. We completely distance ourselves from it,” she said.
The NANNM Chairman noted that the hospital management has demonstrated commitment to staff welfare, citing the recent payment of uniform allowances to nurses across the institution as evidence of ongoing efforts to meet legitimate staff obligations.
She maintained that while no institution is entirely free from operational challenges, the management has consistently shown willingness to resolve issues through dialogue and internal mechanisms rather than public sensationalism.
Comrade Adekunle further urged Nigerians and stakeholders in the health sector to disregard what she described as unverified claims capable of creating unnecessary anxiety among patients and the public.
She alleged that the Elegant Nurses Forum has become known for making repeated statements aimed at portraying the institution negatively, particularly on matters concerning nurses, a trend she described as unacceptable and detrimental to the reputation of the hospital.
“The Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, is a reputable health institution that places high priority on the welfare of its staff. Whenever issues arise, there are established mechanisms for engaging management and resolving them amicably,” she stated.
She called on well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening the nation’s healthcare system rather than circulating reports capable of undermining public confidence in health institutions without verified facts.
The union reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and pledged its continued commitment to working collaboratively with management in the interest of staff welfare, quality healthcare delivery and improved patient outcomes.
