Katsina health workers to strike for a week over unpaid allowances

The Assembly of Healthcare Professionals in Katsina has announced a seven-day warning strike. This action comes after the state government failed to meet their demands for better allowances and salary adjustments.

Ibrahim Balange, the chairman of the assembly, shared this news on Wednesday. He said the strike will kick off at midnight on 14 October.

The groups involved include the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the National Union of Allied Health Professionals.

Mr Balange mentioned that the assembly had given the government a seven-day strike notice on 7 October. Unfortunately, the issues were not resolved before the notice expired.

The push for improved allowances started back in 2024. The state government had shown interest in reviewing the benefits for healthcare workers, similar to those in federal government service.

He added that the workers felt cheated during the minimum wage implementation. They complained that the approved salary table did not match what they were actually receiving.

A committee was set up to look into this issue. It made recommendations in March 2025, but the government has yet to act on those recommendations.

Later, the Office of Public Service Reform reached out to the workers. They offered them 10 percent of the difference between their salaries and what federal workers earn.

The assembly turned down this offer. They then gave the government a three-week ultimatum, which was extended by another week after more discussions.

Mr Balange said the workers had planned to strike on 7 September but held off after some stakeholders intervened and promised to tackle their issues.

However, he noted that the assembly was later informed about a 15 percent raise approved by the governor. This was only five percentage points more than the previous offer.

He expressed disappointment over the assembly's exclusion from the salary adjustment talks and the decision-making process.

The assembly wants a full implementation of the allowances and salary structure that healthcare professionals receive in federal service. They are willing to accept a 75 percent compromise.

Some members are not even satisfied with the 75 percent. But Mr Balange said they need to consider how to move forward together.

He warned that the pay differences could harm the healthcare system in the state. Katsina used to be seen as a state with good healthcare job conditions.

The assembly is open to talks with the government. But they insist on better allowances to keep healthcare professionals working in Katsina.

After the seven-day warning strike, the assembly will meet again to assess what happened and decide on the next move.

Mr Balange cautioned that if they do not reach an agreement, they might issue a new ultimatum for an indefinite strike. He added that this action follows labor laws.

He apologized to the government and the public for any trouble the strike may cause. He reaffirmed the assembly's commitment to looking out for the welfare and professional interests of its members.