Lagos Primary Health Nurses Protest Poor Welfare, Salary Stagnation and Staff Shortages

Nurses working in Lagos State’s primary healthcare system have voiced growing frustration over stagnant salaries, deteriorating welfare conditions and severe staff shortages that they say are undermining service delivery and affecting morale.

Speaking during separate interviews and meetings with reporters, several nurses described how prolonged salary stagnation, inadequate welfare benefits and a lack of essential tools and resources have made their work increasingly difficult. They highlighted the strain caused by long hours, heavy patient loads and insufficient support, saying the challenges compromise both patient care and staff wellbeing.

According to the nurses, prolonged delays in promotion exercises and irregular payment of allowances have exacerbated dissatisfaction among health workers at primary health centres across the state. They noted that many colleagues have contemplated leaving for better opportunities, which has intensified staffing gaps in critical units.

The nurses also reiterated long-standing calls for improved working conditions, better remuneration and urgent government intervention to bolster staffing levels. They argue that while Lagos State is recognised for its dynamic healthcare initiatives, the welfare of frontline workers remains neglected, threatening the sustainability of primary health services.

Healthcare advocates have backed the nurses’ concerns, emphasising the importance of a motivated and well-resourced workforce in achieving effective primary healthcare delivery. They urged the government to address the issues promptly to prevent further decline in service quality and workforce retention.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Lagos State Government at the time of publication were not immediately successful. Meanwhile, nurses continue to appeal for meaningful policy actions that will address their grievances and strengthen the primary healthcare system for both workers and patients.