On Monday, workers at government hospitals in Kaduna State started a five-day warning strike. They are upset because they did not get their special allowances from 2009 and their hazard pay, which has affected hospital services.
The strike was led by the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, the Nigerian Association of Laboratory Scientists, and the Association of Hospital Administrative Pharmacists in Kaduna State.
In places like Sabo General Hospital, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and Gwamna Awan General Hospital, the strike was taken very seriously. There were no nurses around to help patients, unlike the usual busy days.
On Monday, many patients noticed that no nurses were around. One nurse even told patients that she was giving them their last medication because of the strike.
One patient said, “I became worried because I know my daughter is very sick.” Another patient begged the Kaduna State Government to quickly help the health workers so that people can get medical care.
Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives in Kaduna State, said they want their 2009 special allowance and the 2022 hazard pay. He complained that the government has been promising but not delivering.
In 2023, the union planned to strike, but the government formed a committee to look into the matter. The committee reviewed the special salary structure for doctors and other health workers.
The government promised to apply the salary review for everyone. The doctors got their 2014 allowance balance, but the nurses are still waiting for their 2009 balance.
Yakubu said they have been asking for what they are owed, including the 2022 hazard allowance. In November 2023, the Commissioner for Health asked them to calculate the cost of the 2022 hazard allowance. They did and submitted it.
When the Commissioner checked the bill, the government said they would pay 50 percent of it in 2023 and the rest in 2024. But that did not happen.
Yakubu added that while Governor Uba Sani is a governor who supports labor, he hopes the governor will address their issues. They do not want to criticize him harshly.
Yakubu made it clear that they would only end the strike if their demands are met.