Healthcare professionals in Katsina State have declared a seven-day warning strike over the state government’s failure to fully address their demands for improved allowances and salary adjustments.
The chairman of the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, Ibrahim Balange, announced the industrial action on Wednesday, saying it would begin at midnight on October 14, 2026. The assembly comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).
Balange said the unions issued a seven-day strike notice on October 7, but the government failed to resolve the outstanding issues before the deadline expired. He explained that the dispute over allowances began in 2024, when the state government indicated plans to review healthcare workers’ benefits in line with those of their counterparts in the Federal Government service.
According to him, the workers were shortchanged during the implementation of the minimum wage, with the salary structure approved for their members differing from the amounts they received. A committee was subsequently established to investigate the complaints and submitted its recommendations in March 2025. However, Balange said the government had yet to implement them. He added that the Office of Public Service Reform later offered the workers 10 per cent of the difference between their salaries and those of healthcare professionals in federal institutions.
The assembly rejected the proposal and issued a three-week ultimatum, which was subsequently extended by one week following further discussions. The planned strike was suspended on September 7 after stakeholders intervened and assurances were given that the concerns would be addressed.
However, Balange said the assembly was later informed that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda had approved a 15 per cent increment, representing an additional five percentage points over the earlier offer. He criticised the decision-making process, saying the assembly was not consulted on the salary adjustment table or the proposed increment before it was communicated to the workers.
Workers Demand Improved Allowances
Balange said the assembly was seeking full implementation of the allowances and salary structure applicable to healthcare professionals in the Federal Government service. However, he said the unions had indicated their willingness to accept 75 per cent implementation as a compromise.
“Some of our members have not even agreed to 75 per cent, but we have to look at the matter holistically and consider how to move forward,” he said.
The chairman warned that disparities in remuneration could weaken Katsina’s healthcare system by making it more difficult to retain qualified professionals. He maintained that the assembly remained open to negotiations but insisted that the government must address the demands to ensure fair treatment of healthcare workers.
Balange said the unions would review the outcome of the seven-day warning strike before deciding on their next steps. He warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to an ultimatum for an indefinite strike, adding that the industrial action was being undertaken in accordance with labour laws.
The chairman apologised to the state government and members of the public for the inconvenience the strike might cause, while reaffirming the assembly’s commitment to protecting the welfare and professional interests of its members.
