Kano doctors plan two-week warning strike from October 25 over pay

Doctors under the National Association of Government General and Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Kano State say they will begin a two-week warning strike on October 25 if the state government does not meet their welfare demands.

The association's Public Relations Officer, Dr Ibrahim Gabari, said the decision followed several ultimatums and a June agreement with the government that he said has not been implemented.

For patients in Kano, a strike could mean longer queues, fewer hands on duty and delayed care in government hospitals. Doctors are asking for better pay, more staff and safer working conditions.

What the doctors are asking for

Gabari said the association has been pushing for a salary increase since 2024. He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the raise, but the Head of Civil Service has not implemented it.

"Nobody increased our salaries,"

he said, dismissing reports that Kano doctors now earn the same as their federal government counterparts.

Beyond pay, the doctors want the urgent recruitment of more medical personnel, payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, funding for residency training, better medical equipment and improved security for health workers.

Gabari said the association first issued a two-week ultimatum and met the state Commissioner for Health. As the deadline neared, the Head of Civil Service invited their representatives and promised to address the issues, he said.

After that, the association's congress issued another three-week ultimatum, which Gabari said also expired without action.

What happens next

The warning strike is set to start on October 25 and run for two weeks. Gabari said the association's executive committee will meet after that to decide the next step.

The state government has not responded publicly to the latest threat in the reports reviewed. It is not clear whether talks are planned before the deadline.