Kano Nurses Demand Salary Harmonisation with Federal Government, Warn of Brain Drain
FNA NEWS, 4th of November, 2026
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kano State Council, has called on the Kano State Government to harmonise nurses’ salaries with the Federal Government’s salary structure, warning that poor remuneration is contributing to the loss of skilled health professionals to other countries.
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The appeal was made by the association’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Musa Abubakar, during a press conference in Kano, where he disclosed that the union had formally submitted its request to the state government.
According to a report by BluePen News, Abubakar said improved remuneration was necessary to address growing concerns about the welfare of nurses and the wider health workforce.
Nurses Raise Concerns Over Brain Drain
Abubakar identified low salaries as one of the factors contributing to brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.
He noted that many health professionals were seeking better employment opportunities abroad, raising concerns about the ability of the state to retain experienced and skilled personnel.
The development highlights a continuing challenge for Nigeria’s healthcare system, where the migration of nurses and other health professionals has increased pressure on already stretched health facilities.
For Kano State, harmonising nurses’ salaries with the federal structure could form part of broader efforts to improve staff retention and make public healthcare employment more attractive.
However, salary adjustments alone may not address the full range of factors influencing nurses’ decisions to leave. Working conditions, career progression, staffing levels, professional development and access to essential resources also remain important considerations.
NANNM Congratulates Doctors Over Improved Welfare
The NANNM Kano State Council also congratulated medical doctors in the state following the approval of an improved welfare package by the Kano State Government.
The association’s position highlights the importance of extending welfare improvements across the health workforce, including nurses and midwives, whose contributions remain essential to healthcare delivery.
The Kano State Government recently announced approval for the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund allowances to 90 eligible doctors and the commencement of administrative processes towards aligning doctors’ salaries with the federal structure.
The announcement was made by the Kano State Hospitals Management Board in October 2026.
Union Commends Government’s Investment in Healthcare
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While calling for improved remuneration, Abubakar acknowledged the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medicines.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for upgrading health facilities and providing drugs.
The union leader also urged nurses to remain law-abiding as the association continues its engagement with the government over welfare concerns.
His appeal suggests that the association intends to pursue its demands through formal engagement rather than industrial disruption.
Why Salary Harmonisation Matters for Nurses
The demand raises an important question about how state governments can retain skilled nursing professionals amid increasing international demand for healthcare workers.
Nurses play a central role in patient care, disease prevention, maternal and child health, emergency response and the delivery of essential health services.
When remuneration and working conditions fail to meet professional expectations, health facilities risk losing experienced personnel, potentially increasing the workload on those who remain.
For patients, the consequences can extend beyond workforce shortages to longer waiting times, increased workloads and pressure on the quality of care.
Salary harmonisation could therefore represent an important step towards improving nurses’ welfare and strengthening the state’s health workforce.
However, meaningful workforce retention requires a broader commitment to fair remuneration, safe working environments, adequate staffing, professional recognition and opportunities for career development.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform, and support nurses across Africa.
Durowoju Abisola is a registered nurse, nurse writer and On-Air Correspondent at Fellow Nurses Africa (FNA), passionate about nursing leadership, health education and advocacy.
Through journalism, storytelling and content creation, she amplifies important conversations around nursing, healthcare and the experiences of nurses in Nigeria. She is committed to using her voice and professional knowledge to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and inspire the next generation of nurses.
