Nurses in Kaduna State have issued a serious warning about a potential statewide strike because of the ongoing failure of authorities to carry out promotion exercises.
This warning was shared in a New Year message by Comrade Nurse Ishaku Yakubu, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kaduna State Council. He expressed his frustration over what he sees as the intentional neglect of nurses’ career advancement by the Ministry of Health and some of its agencies.
Yakubu pointed out that the lack of promotion exercises has become one of the significant challenges for nurses in the state, highlighting that this situation has adversely impacted morale and productivity within the healthcare system.
He emphasized that the union will no longer accept delays that compromise the dignity and professional development of nurses.
He mentioned that the union is prepared to escalate its actions if the issue is not resolved.
“In 2026, we will declare an industrial dispute with the state Ministry of Health and its agencies that fail to conduct promotion exercises on time,” Yakubu stated.
This promotion issue arises during an ongoing industrial action at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, where nurses are currently on strike over matters related to professional titles and salary placement. Yakubu revealed that this strike, which has now entered its second week, has seen full compliance.
“The strike is now in its second week and is 100 percent successful,” he noted.
He cautioned that if authorities do not take prompt action, it could result in a wider shutdown of health facilities throughout the state.
“If that institution does not take the necessary steps in the shortest time possible, we will have no choice but to call on other federal health institutions in the state and the entire state to join in the industrial action for solidarity,” Yakubu warned.
While he recognized the progress made in 2025, especially the approval and implementation of the Consolidated Health…