Katsina State Governor, Umar Radda, approved the hiring of 300 health workers on Tuesday to address the manpower shortage in the state’s health sector.
This decision follows a warning from the Katsina State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which indicated intentions to withdraw services from several local government areas due to unmet security and welfare concerns.
The association also signaled the possibility of an indefinite strike if their demands were not addressed by the end of a two-day warning strike set to commence on January 30, 2025.
A service withdrawal could significantly impact frontline local governments, including Batsari, Funtua, Malumfashi, Kankara, Kurfi, Danmusa, and Jibia.State Commissioner for Health, Musa Funtua, noted that the government has held an emergency meeting with NANNM and other stakeholders to discuss the concerns raised by the association.Following the meeting, the commissioner reported that 85 percent of the issues have been resolved through negotiations.
To tackle the manpower issue in the health sector, Governor Dikko Umar Radda has approved the employment of over 300 health workers.“Regarding the ultimatum from NANNM related to their concerns, particularly in local government areas facing insecurity, this has arisen from a gap in communication between the government and NANNM leadership.
An emergency meeting was convened, and we have reached a mutual understanding.“Our discussions have made significant progress, with 85 percent of the issues on track for resolution.“I also appreciate NANNM for acknowledging the government’s efforts under Governor Dikko Umar Radda in addressing insecurity.
The governor is dedicated to ensuring safety in the state. We aim to address all the demands put forth by NANNM,” the commissioner stated.
