By Prosper Mene
Nurses and midwives in Kaduna State are celebrating Governor Uba Sani for approving the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a significant pay upgrade for healthcare workers.
The move has drawn widespread appreciation among the state’s medical community, who see it as a lifeline for a sector strained by low wages and tough working conditions.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Kaduna expressed their gratitude in a letter signed by Chairman Ishaku Yakubu and Secretary Christiana Bawa. They hailed the governor’s decision as a bold and fair step that boosts morale, enhances productivity, and sets Kaduna apart as a worker-friendly state. The nurses pledged to double their efforts in healthcare delivery to support Governor Sani’s vision for a stronger Kaduna.
These salary structures, part of a national framework to improve pay for health workers, aim to curb the recent issue of professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
While many states hesitate to implement them due to budget constraints, Kaduna’s swift action has been widely praised.
Social media buzzed with excitement, as outlets like TheCable and THISDAY LIVE shared the news, and users like @habibidris49 joined the chorus of approval online.
However, the joy is not universal across Kaduna’s public sector. Staff at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic and Kaduna State College of Education launched an indefinite strike this week, demanding their own salary and pension reforms.
This contrast shows the delicate balancing act Governor Sani faces in addressing worker demands amid limited resources. For now, nurses remain optimistic, with one stating, “This is more than a paycheck, it’s about dignity and a brighter future for healthcare.”
According to nurses, the salary boost will not only improve their livelihoods but also attract new talent to the profession, potentially reducing the strain on hospitals and clinics across the state.
