The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, accused the management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, of allegedly compelling nurses and other healthcare workers to pay between ₦5,000 and ₦30,000 towards the hospital’s planned 2026 end-of-year celebration.
The group, through a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, called for an immediate investigation by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the governing board of FMC Abeokuta and other relevant authorities over what it described as alleged abuse of workers’ rights.
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ENF claimed that staff members across different categories, including nurses, intern nurses, health attendants and porters, were assigned compulsory contributions based on their professional ranks.
According to the forum, directors were allegedly expected to contribute ₦30,000, deputy directors of nursing ₦25,000, assistant directors of nursing ₦20,000, while other nursing and support staff were assigned lower amounts.
The organisation described the alleged compulsory payments as unacceptable, arguing that social events organised by employers should not become a financial burden for workers.
“It is deeply disturbing that Intern Nurses, who are still undergoing supervised training and are not yet employees of the institution, are reportedly being compelled to contribute financially,” ENF said.
The forum added that staff celebrations should remain voluntary and should not create fear or pressure among employees, particularly during a period of economic hardship.
Beyond the alleged levy, ENF also accused FMC Abeokuta management of victimising a nurse, Ajibola Aishat, after she reportedly requested accountability over previous end-of-year celebration contributions collected from workers.
The group alleged that Aishat had sought clarification on how funds from an earlier event were spent after some nurses working in hospital wards reportedly did not benefit from the programme.
ENF claimed that instead of receiving answers, the nurse was allegedly threatened by the Head of Nursing Services and later transferred from FMC Abeokuta to the hospital’s annex in Ayetoro.
The organisation said the transfer placed additional financial pressure on Aishat, who had recently renewed accommodation in Abeokuta and was forced to spend more on transportation. It also alleged that she was involved in two road accidents while commuting.
The forum further raised concerns about what it described as restrictions on younger nurses participating in leadership elections within the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
According to ENF, limiting participation based on professional rank could weaken representation and prevent the development of future healthcare leaders.
The group also alleged that some workers at the institution were experiencing emotional stress due to fears of intimidation, lack of professional opportunities and restrictions on raising concerns.
ENF argued that staff welfare is closely connected to patient care, stating that healthcare workers need a safe environment where they can perform their duties effectively.
The organisation called for the cancellation of the alleged compulsory contributions, a review of previous staff welfare collections, the return of Nurse Aishat to FMC Abeokuta and an independent investigation into all its claims.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of nurses and all healthcare workers. Accountability strengthens institutions; it does not weaken them,” the group said.
As of the time of the statement, FMC Abeokuta management had not issued a public response to the allegations.
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The controversy comes amid wider discussions about healthcare workers’ welfare in Nigeria, where professional groups have repeatedly raised concerns about workplace conditions, staff shortages and the need for stronger institutional accountability.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
