Katsina Health Workers Begin 7-Day Warning Strike, Threaten Indefinite Shutdown Over Pay Dispute

By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

The Assembly of Healthcare Professionals in Katsina State has declared a seven-day warning strike over the government’s failure to fully implement demands for improved allowances and salary adjustments, raising the possibility of a prolonged shutdown if negotiations fail.

The assembly’s chairman, Ibrahim Balange, announced on Wednesday that the industrial action would begin at midnight on October 14. The body 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 workers had issued a seven-day strike notice to the state government on October 7, but the deadline expired without a satisfactory resolution of their grievances.

He explained that the dispute over allowances began in 2024, when the government indicated plans to review healthcare workers’ benefits in line with those enjoyed by their counterparts in federal institutions. However, the workers later complained that they were shortchanged during the implementation of the minimum wage, alleging that the approved salary table did not match what they actually received.

According to the chairman, a committee was set up to examine the complaints and submitted its recommendations in March 2025, but the recommendations had yet to be fully implemented. The workers subsequently engaged with the Office of Public Service Reform, which offered them 10 per cent of the difference between their earnings and the salaries of healthcare professionals in federal institutions.

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The assembly rejected the offer and issued a three-week ultimatum, later extended by another week following further discussions. Plans for a strike on September 7 were suspended after stakeholders intervened and assurances were given that the concerns would be addressed.

Balange, however, said the workers were later informed that the governor had approved a 15 per cent increment, representing only five percentage points above the earlier offer. He faulted the process, saying the assembly was not involved in preparing the salary adjustment table or determining the proposed increase before it was communicated.

The workers are demanding full implementation of the allowances and salary structure applicable to healthcare professionals in federal service. As a compromise, the assembly said it was prepared to accept 75 per cent implementation, although Balange acknowledged that some members remained dissatisfied even with that proposal.

He warned that the salary disparity could make it harder for Katsina to attract and retain healthcare professionals, noting that the state had previously been considered an attractive destination for workers in the sector.

Despite the strike, Balange said the assembly remained willing to negotiate with the government and hoped an agreement could be reached before the dispute escalated. He added that members would reconvene after the seven-day action to assess the outcome and decide on their next move.

The chairman warned that failure to reach a settlement could lead to an ultimatum for an indefinite strike. He maintained that the action was being taken in accordance with labour laws, while apologising to the government and members of the public for the disruption it might cause.

The dispute now places pressure on the state government to resolve the outstanding pay issues before the warning strike ends, as any extension could further disrupt healthcare services across Katsina.