Nurses in Kaduna State have issued a strong warning of a possible statewide strike in 2026 over the persistent failure of health authorities to conduct promotion exercises, a development that could disrupt healthcare services across the state if unresolved.

The threat was contained in a New Year address by the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kaduna State Council, Comrade Nurse Ishaku Yakubu, who expressed growing frustration over what he described as deliberate neglect of nurses’ career progression by the Ministry of Health and some of its parastatals.

“We equally faced several challenges amongst which are the non-conduct of promotion exercises in the ministry of health and some of her parastatals,” Yakubu said, noting that the situation has negatively affected morale and productivity within the system.

He warned that the union would no longer tolerate delays that undermine the professional growth and dignity of nurses.

According to him, the union has resolved to escalate its response in the coming year. “We shall as well in 2026, declare industrial dispute with the state ministry of health and her parastatals that refuse to conduct promotion exercises as at when due,” he declared.

The statement signals a readiness by nurses to shut down services if their demands are ignored.

The promotion dispute comes on the heels of an ongoing industrial action at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, where nurses are already on strike over issues bordering on professional designation and salary placement.

Yakubu revealed that the strike, now in its second week, has recorded full compliance.

“The strike action is in its second week and it’s 100% successful,” he said.

He warned that failure by authorities to act swiftly could lead to a broader shutdown of health facilities.

“If that institution fails to do the needful in the shortest possible time, we shall be forced to call on other federal health institutions in the state and the entire state to join in the industrial action for solidarity,” Yakubu added.

While acknowledging achievements recorded in 2025 particularly the approval and implementation of CONHESS 2024, which improved nurses’ welfare, the NANNM chairman stressed that salary gains alone are not enough.

He argued that promotions were a statutory right and a critical part of professional motivation.

Yakubu also accused some institutions of attempting to “undermine our profession and relegate us to subservient position,” warning that such practices would be resisted firmly in 2026.

The union leader called for dialogue, unity, and proactive engagement from government officials to avert an industrial crisis.

He urged authorities to see nurses as partners in healthcare delivery rather than expendable personnel. (Daily Trust)