Health workers in Katsina State have suspended their seven-day warning strike following negotiations with Governor Dikko Radda over outstanding salary adjustments, allowances and other welfare concerns.
The suspension took effect on Sunday, October 18, according to a circular reportedly issued by the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (AHCP).
The development was announced in a newsflash attributed to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, and was also reported by Katsina Times.
The circular, dated October 17 and signed by the assembly’s chairman, Ibrahim Balange, directed members to resume clinical and administrative duties across public health facilities following a meeting with the governor on October 16.
The AHCP comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).
According to the statement, Radda committed to reopening negotiations on the workers’ outstanding demands through a technical roundtable.
The proposed discussions will cover the review and implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in line with relevant government circulars, as well as a comprehensive review of hazard, call duty and shift duty allowances.
The government also reportedly agreed to address the skipping of CONHESS grade level 10 for eligible officers in accordance with the applicable scheme of service.
As part of the resolution, a joint technical committee is expected to be established with clearly defined terms of reference and a timeline for addressing the outstanding issues.
However, the announcement did not specify when the committee would commence work or when the proposed salary adjustments and outstanding payments would be implemented.
It also remained unclear whether the government had formally approved the workers’ proposed adjustments or merely agreed to reopen negotiations.
The assembly reportedly commended Radda for his intervention in the dispute and thanked its members for their cooperation throughout the industrial action.
The suspension is expected to restore normal clinical and administrative services across public health facilities in the state while discussions over the workers’ demands continue.
