Mirian Gom 
KATSINA, Nigeria – Healthcare workers in Katsina State have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government to address outstanding welfare and professional demands or face an indefinite strike.
The Katsina health workers strike threat took effect from August 11, 2026, with the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals in Katsina State (AHAPN) warning that failure to resolve the issues could disrupt healthcare services across the state.
AHAPN announced the ultimatum on Tuesday during a press conference at the State Secretariat of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Katsina.
The umbrella body comprises MHWUN, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).
AHAPN State Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Balange, says the unions have repeatedly engaged the government over their demands but have yet to receive satisfactory action.
He says the prolonged delay is affecting the morale, motivation and productivity of healthcare professionals who continue to provide services across the state.
The workers are demanding an upward review of several allowances, including call duty, shift duty, clinical and non-clinical, rural and specialist allowances.
They are also demanding an increase in uniform allowance for nurses to ₦80,000, in line with what Balange says is obtainable in federal health institutions.
The assembly describes the demands as fair and necessary to improve workers’ welfare and strengthen healthcare delivery.
Balange warns that failure to resolve the issues before the 21-day deadline expires will leave the unions with “no alternative” but to embark on a statewide strike.
The proposed industrial action could affect healthcare services across Katsina because AHAPN represents virtually all healthcare workers in the state except medical doctors.
“We remain hopeful that the state government will act promptly to avoid disruption of healthcare services in the best interest of the people of Katsina State,” Balange says.
The ultimatum places pressure on the state government to negotiate with the healthcare unions before the deadline expires.
The workers say improved welfare and professional conditions are essential not only for staff retention and motivation but also for maintaining quality healthcare services in the state.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
