Kaduna Health Workers Begin Indefinite Strike

Health workers in Kaduna State, represented by three prominent professional organizations—the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN)—have initiated an indefinite strike due to the state government’s failure to meet their demands.

In a joint statement from their respective leaders, Comrade Ishaka Yakubu (NANNM), Mansur S. Halidu (AHAPN), and Comrade Jesse David (AMLSN), the health workers expressed their frustration with the government’s lack of action on their long-standing requests, despite multiple communications and a previously suspended warning strike.

“We wish to inform the public that we have no other option but to embark on this indefinite strike, following the government’s continued failure to meet our demands,” the statement said.

The demands include the implementation of the remaining 30% of the 2009 Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers in the Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board, as well as the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance for the same health bodies.

Other grievances include the implementation of the 2019 CONHESS at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and the payment of arrears for health workers recruited in 2023.

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The unions also demanded the immediate release of all outstanding promotions and the prompt implementation of these promotions with their accompanying arrears.

“Despite suspending our warning strike two months ago in good faith, our members have yet to see any tangible benefits from that action. This shows a clear disregard for the welfare of health workers and the sector at large,” the statement continued.

The unions however called on the government to act swiftly to fulfill its promises, adding that the strike, though regrettable, was necessary to ensure the rights and welfare of health workers in the state were upheld.

“The health and well-being of the people of Kaduna State depend on a motivated workforce. We sincerely apologise to the public for any inconvenience this may cause, but the failure of the authorities to honour their agreements has left us with no other choice,” the statement read.