More than 200 healthcare workers employed by the Kaduna State Government in June of the previous year have expressed their distress over not receiving salaries for eight consecutive months.
Recall that in 2023, the state government hired over 200 nurses at grade level seven, assigning them to various general hospitals across the state. However, according to the nurses, they have worked for eight months without any payment.
They received payment for only three months: February, March, and April. However, they note that the amounts they were paid during this period were less than what was stipulated in their appointment letters.
One nurse, preferring anonymity, expressed, “We have not received our eight months’ salary arrears for the work we’ve done since we began in June 2023. Our salary payments only commenced from February 2024.” They highlighted the challenges faced by single mothers and divorcees among them, who struggle to support themselves and their children.
Appealing to Governor Uba Sani, they urged intervention to ensure prompt payment of their outstanding arrears. They highlighted the financial strain faced by those stationed in rural areas, who have to cover expenses such as rent, food, and transportation.
Another affected midwife, also speaking anonymously, shared her struggles commuting to work in Kakuri, stating that nearly all her salary goes towards transportation costs, and the workload is overwhelming. She emphasized the need for both the arrears to be settled and an increase in their salaries due to the heavy financial burdens they bear.
Ishaku Yakubu, the Chairman of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, Kaduna Chapter, confirmed the issue of unpaid salary arrears, mentioning efforts to address the matter with relevant authorities.