Nurses in Kaduna State have threatened to embark on a statewide strike in 2026 over the continued failure of health authorities to conduct promotion exercises, a situation that could disrupt healthcare services across the state if left unresolved.
The warning was issued by the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kaduna State Council, Comrade Nurse Ishaku Yakubu, in his New Year address. He expressed frustration over what he described as the persistent neglect of nurses’ career progression by the Ministry of Health and some of its parastatals.
Yakubu said the non-conduct of promotion exercises has remained one of the major challenges confronting nurses, noting that the delays have adversely affected morale and productivity within the health sector.
“We equally faced several challenges, among which are the non-conduct of promotion exercises in the Ministry of Health and some of its parastatals,” he said.
He warned that the union would no longer tolerate actions that undermine the professional growth and dignity of nurses, adding that the association has resolved to escalate its response in the new year.
According to him, NANNM plans to formally declare an industrial dispute in 2026 with the state Ministry of Health and its parastatals that fail to carry out promotion exercises as and when due.
The promotion dispute comes amid an ongoing strike at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, where nurses are protesting issues related to professional designation and salary placement. Yakubu disclosed that the industrial action, now in its second week, has recorded full compliance.
“The strike action is in its second week and it is 100 per cent successful,” he said.
He warned that if the issues at the centre are not resolved promptly, the union may extend the strike to other federal health institutions in the state and potentially across Kaduna as a show of solidarity.
While acknowledging gains recorded in 2025, particularly the approval and implementation of the CONHESS 2024 salary structure, Yakubu stressed that improved remuneration alone is insufficient without timely promotions, which he described as a statutory right and a key driver of professional motivation.
He also accused some institutions of attempting to undermine the nursing profession and relegate practitioners to subordinate roles, warning that such actions would be firmly resisted in 2026.
The NANNM chairman called for dialogue and proactive engagement by government authorities to avert a looming industrial crisis, urging them to recognise nurses as critical partners in healthcare delivery.
