The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, on Wednesday protested the disengagement of two nurses by the Lagos Water Corporation, LWC, while calling for their immediate reinstatement to service.
Toba Odumosu, State Secretary, NANNM, at the protest held at Ikeja, said the decision to dismiss experienced nurses with over two decades of service was perplexing and counterproductive.
Mr Odumosu said the action exhibits a lack of coherence with the Lagos State Government’s challenge with recruitment and retention of nurses critical for its agenda on provision of healthcare to its citizens.
“This is evidenced by the recall of retired nurses back to employment on a contractual basis to fill critical vacancies.
“We firmly believe that if proper procedures, as stipulated in section 20 of the Nigeria Labour Act which ciearly stipulates the procedure for a valid redundancy process had been followed, considerations such as redeployment would have been explored.
“The current approach not only contravenes labor laws but also undermines the efforts of the Lagos State government to sustain its healthcare system, especially in these challenging times.
“In light of the above, we urgently request the immediate recall of our affected members and urge the Lagos State Water Corporation to initiate dialogue with NANNM on any matters affecting our members,” he said.
Mr Odumosu said it was disheartening to discover that the nurses were abruptly disengaged by Lagos Water Corporation, without due process or adherence to legal procedures governing redundancy declarations.
He condemned the lack of correspondence or meeting with the association to discuss the disengagement of staff that have served the corporation for more than two decades.
Mr Odumosu maintained that collaboration and mutual respect are essential for fostering a productive working relationship.
He said the protest done in collaboration with Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and other unions also sought the recall of 405 disengaged staff of LWC.
Mr Odumosu noted that water is critical to health, appealed to the state government against privatisation of LWC and amicable resolution with the various unions.
On April 15, 405 staff of LWC were disengaged by the state government.
NAN
