The healthcare sector in Zamfara State has been thrown into turmoil as nurses and midwives embarked on a six-day strike over the state government’s failure to fulfil long-standing promises.
The industrial action, which began on Monday, was announced by the leadership of the Nurses and Midwives Association of Zamfara State, who described the move as “regrettable but necessary” following the government’s persistent breach of agreements.
They accused Governor Dauda Lawal Dare’s administration of neglecting its commitments, leaving healthcare workers underpaid, undervalued, and overwhelmed despite their crucial role in saving lives across the state.
“Nurses and midwives remain the backbone of every healthcare system. Without them, even the best-equipped hospitals become ineffective,” the association stated.
Zamfara, with a population spread across 14 local government areas, has fewer than 900 nurses and midwives catering to millions — a situation health workers say is alarming amid insecurity, poverty, and disease outbreaks.
The association warned that the strike’s consequences would be severe, with maternity wards facing a shortage of skilled birth attendants, primary healthcare centres breaking down, and immunisation campaigns coming to a halt.
“This action is not taken out of disregard for the public’s wellbeing,” the group clarified. “It is a demand for fairness, dignity, and the resources needed to serve effectively.”
They urged the state government to return to the negotiation table and fulfil its promises without further delay, warning that the already fragile healthcare system risks total collapse if urgent steps are not taken.