By SUNTV Global Channel | January 12, 2026
The management of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has been accused of victimisation and abuse of labour rights following alleged punitive actions taken against about 200 nurses who participated in a lawful industrial strike in 2024.
The allegation was made by the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) in a press statement issued on Monday, in which the group condemned what it described as “unlawful, discriminatory and punitive measures” targeted at nurses, many of whom are newly employed and currently serving their probationary period.
The statement, signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the forum, said the affected nurses were issued appointment letters clearly stating a two-year probationary period, after which confirmation and career progression would be assessed in line with public service rules.
However, ENF alleged that hospital management has deliberately withheld the confirmation of the nurses, denied them access to confirmatory examinations, deducted salaries, failed to pay earned wages and issued threats of permanent non-confirmation.
According to the forum, the actions were taken solely because the nurses complied with a strike directive issued by the Benue State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
“Participation in a lawful industrial action mandated by a recognised trade union is protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Trade Disputes Act and established principles of collective bargaining,” the forum stated, stressing that no employer has the legal authority to punish workers for exercising such rights.
ENF rejected claims that the nurses’ probationary status justified the alleged sanctions, describing the argument as “legally untenable.”
“Probationary status does not extinguish constitutional rights, labour protections or freedom of association,” the statement said. “Probation cannot be weaponised as a tool for intimidation, coercion or denial of contractual entitlements.”
The forum also raised concerns over alleged selective enforcement, noting that doctors employed under similar probationary terms were reportedly not subjected to the same treatment despite participating in industrial action under the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
“Even more disturbing are reports that doctors employed under similar terms were not subjected to these reprisals despite their participation in industrial action,” ENF said, describing the situation as evidence of discrimination, selective enforcement and professional bias.
The group described the hospital’s alleged actions as a violation of labour rights, an abuse of administrative power, and a threat to industrial harmony and healthcare delivery in Benue State.
ENF demanded the immediate confirmation of all eligible nurses, unrestricted access to confirmatory examinations, full payment of all withheld salaries, withdrawal of all threats linked to strike participation and equal treatment of nurses and doctors under the same employment conditions.
The forum also called for a public written assurance from the hospital management and the Benue State Government guaranteeing non-retaliation against nurses for lawful union activities, as well as an independent investigation into the alleged violations.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum stands firmly with the affected nurses and will not hesitate to escalate this matter to relevant regulatory bodies, labour institutions, human rights organisations and the general public if these injustices persist,” the statement warned.
“Nurses are not second-class professionals. Labour rights are not privileges. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
— SUNTV Global Channel
