Elegant Nurses Forum accuses Abby’s Paediatric Care of poor labour practices and workplace intimidation, while hospital denies allegations and says dispute is before appropriate legal channels.
BYLINE
By Anita Babalola
Lagos, Nigeria — July 10, 2026
A labour dispute involving four former nurses and Abby’s Paediatric Care, a Lagos-based healthcare facility, has escalated after a police-mediated settlement failed, with the Elegant Nurses Forum accusing the hospital of workplace exploitation, intimidation and poor staff welfare.
The nurses’ advocacy group alleged that employees at the facility were subjected to delayed salaries, poor remuneration, excessive workloads and degrading treatment, while also warning against what it described as attempts to criminalise healthcare workers for raising concerns about workplace conditions.
The hospital, however, has denied the allegations, maintaining that the affected nurses were dismissed for documented issues relating to conduct and insubordination rather than for expressing professional concerns.
The dispute, which is now attracting the attention of labour rights advocates and healthcare stakeholders, has renewed public debate over working conditions in Nigeria’s private healthcare sector and the mechanisms available for resolving employment disputes.
Police Mediation Ends Without Resolution
According to a statement issued by the National Coordinator of the Elegant Nurses Forum, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the four nurses honoured an invitation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, on July 7, 2026.
They were accompanied by lawyers provided by the Lagos Chapter of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement.
Also present were representatives of Abby’s Paediatric Care, including the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, legal counsel and members of management.
The Forum said the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) attempted to resolve the dispute through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
However, both sides failed to reach an agreement.
According to the Forum, each party was given an opportunity to present its account before mediation efforts eventually collapsed.
Nurses Detail Alleged Poor Working Conditions
The Elegant Nurses Forum alleged that the meeting highlighted what it described as longstanding labour concerns within the hospital.
According to the group, the affected nurses alleged they experienced:
- Delayed payment of salaries.
- Poor remuneration despite demanding workloads.
- Disrespectful treatment by senior management.
- Unfavourable workplace conditions.
- Other practices they considered unfair and demeaning.
The Forum further claimed that instead of addressing the complaints, hospital management sought to justify the employment conditions that had been criticised by the nurses.
Dispute Over Online Reviews
Another major point of disagreement reportedly centred on the hospital’s alleged demand that the nurses publicly apologise after the healthcare facility was reportedly blacklisted on the Medical Locum Jobs employment platform.
According to the nurses’ group, the affected healthcare workers declined the request, insisting that reviews posted on the platform reflected genuine workplace experiences.
The Forum argued that professional review platforms exist to encourage transparency and help healthcare professionals make informed employment decisions.
It maintained that constructive feedback should not expose healthcare workers to intimidation or legal harassment.
Forum Raises Wider Labour Rights Concerns
The nurses’ advocacy group alleged that the dispute reflects broader challenges facing many healthcare professionals working in private medical facilities.
It argued that nurses and other frontline healthcare workers should not be victimised for raising legitimate concerns regarding staff welfare, professional autonomy or patient safety.
According to the Forum, protecting whistleblowers and encouraging transparent reporting are essential to improving healthcare delivery.
The organisation also commended the legal representation provided by the Take-It-Back Movement, describing the intervention as evidence that access to justice should not depend on financial resources.
Calls for Regulatory Investigation
Following the unsuccessful mediation, the Elegant Nurses Forum called on the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to investigate the allegations made against the hospital.
The group also urged the:
- Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM);
- Nigerian Medical Association (NMA);
- Relevant labour unions; and
- Healthcare regulatory agencies
to intervene in order to safeguard both healthcare workers’ rights and patient welfare.
It said the organisation would continue to monitor developments while pursuing lawful means to protect the professional dignity of nurses.
Additional Allegations Raised
The dispute follows earlier claims made by the four former nurses concerning alleged underpayment, irregular salaries, poor staff welfare and what they described as interference with professional nursing responsibilities.
Among the allegations, the nurses claimed that the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer—whom they alleged is not a licensed medical practitioner—interfered with clinical duties by interrupting nurses while attending to patients and providing health education.
These allegations have not been independently verified by A1NEWS International.
Hospital Rejects Allegations
Responding to the allegations, Abby’s Paediatric Care denied wrongdoing.
The hospital stated that the former employees’ appointments were terminated because of documented conduct-related issues and insubordination, not because they provided professional feedback.
Management added that it possesses documentary evidence to support its position and intends to present that evidence before the appropriate legal forum if necessary.
The hospital further noted that the dispute is currently being handled through legal channels and requested that further enquiries be directed to its legal representatives.
It also expressed confidence that media coverage of the matter would remain fair, balanced and accurate.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector
The dispute has once again highlighted longstanding concerns surrounding employment conditions within parts of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Healthcare labour experts note that delayed salaries, workforce shortages, burnout and poor working conditions have contributed to increasing migration of Nigerian health professionals to countries offering better remuneration and working environments.
Observers say transparent investigations by regulators, fair labour practices and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms will be critical to restoring confidence among healthcare workers while ensuring patient safety remains paramount.
While the allegations against Abby’s Paediatric Care remain contested, the failed police-mediated settlement underscores the growing tensions surrounding labour rights within Nigeria’s private healthcare sector. As regulatory agencies and legal institutions potentially become involved, the case may serve as an important test of workplace accountability, employee protection and professional standards in healthcare. Until the issues are resolved through appropriate legal and regulatory processes, both the allegations made by the nurses and the hospital’s denials remain matters requiring careful and impartial consideration.
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