ATR42 Captain reported nose gear malfunction resulted in return to departure airport. Captain indicated the issue was a result of ground personnel failure to follow company procedure.

Narrative

Flight started his run from Runway XXR with a clearance to 340/3000. As we started; we noticed after selecting gear up there was a red unlock up annunciator in the nose gear. I told Person A run through the climb check list follow with the gear check list. I advise ATC that we were going to stay at 3000 running checklist and speaking with company. Person A started running all check list and communication with company and I flew the aircraft between all the storms out over the gulf where it was clear. I contacted our F/A at that point and we ran thorough test. I [advised ATC]. ATC ask what we need and we told them off our situation and decided to land on Runway XYL. After running all normal and abnormal check list; I call the F/A to notify her of the new time to the airport since I got switch around and spoke again of the plan. Landing was normal and we also taxi back to our gate.Cause: Ground personal not following company procedure.Suggestions: No answer at this time.