Katsina to employ 300 health workers to tackle shortages

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda

The Katsina State Governor, Umar Radda, on Tuesday, approved the employment of 300 health workers to tackle the shortage of manpower in the state’s health sector.

This comes after the Katsina State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives threatened to withdraw its services from the state’s frontline local government areas over the government’s alleged failure to address security and welfare issues, PUNCH Online reports.

The association also threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if the government failed to meet its demands by the end of the two-day warning strike, set to begin on Thursday, January 30, 2025. The withdrawal of services would affect frontline LGs, including Batsari, Funtua, Malumfashi, Kankara, Kurfi, Danmusa, and Jibia.

According to the State Commissioner for Health, Musa Funtua, the government held an emergency meeting with the State Council of NANNM and other stakeholders to address the association’s demands.

Briefing journalists after the association’s threat, the commissioner stated that negotiations had progressed by 85 per cent toward resolution.

“To address the issue of manpower in the health sector, Governor Dikko Umar Radda has approved the employment of over 300 health workers.

“As for the ultimatum given by NANNM regarding their demands, especially in the frontline local government areas over insecurity and other issues, it stemmed from a communication gap between the government and the NANNM leadership. I have summoned an emergency meeting, and we have just concluded discussions where we all understood ourselves.

“Our negotiations have reached an advanced stage of 85 per cent toward resolving all lingering issues and other matters.

“I must also thank NANNM for recognising the government’s efforts under His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, in combating insecurity. The governor is committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state. We will meet all the demands raised by NANNM,” the commissioner assured.