Health workers’ union mobilises members for possible nationwide strike over unmet demands – The Witness Nigeria

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has directed its members nationwide to begin mobilisation for a possible strike over delays in implementing the adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other outstanding agreements with the federal government.

CONHESS is the standardised public-sector salary structure for healthcare workers, excluding medical doctors and dental surgeons.

The directive was contained in a communique issued on Friday at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Enugu.

The communique was jointly signed by Kamal Ibrahim, NUAHP’s national president, and Martin Egbanubi, its general secretary.

NUAHP comprises pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, imaging scientists, dental technologists, occupational therapists, health information management practitioners, dental therapists, dietitians and other allied health professionals.

The union said the mobilisation was intended to prepare members for a possible resumption of nationwide industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) over unresolved demands.

“NEC therefore directs members across health facilities nationwide to commence mobilisation for the nationwide strike preparatory to the expiration of the two-week strike ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and supported by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), which takes effect from 9th October, 2026 and expires on 23rd October, 2026,” the communique reads.

The union expressed displeasure over the delay in implementing the CONHESS adjustment, despite an 84-day strike previously embarked upon by JOHESU members.

It urged the federal government to honour its commitments under the terms of settlement to prevent the suspended strike from resuming.

NUAHP also demanded the immediate payment of 19 months of outstanding arrears arising from the review of professional allowances for health workers, following a federal government circular issued on November 19, 2025.

The union acknowledged that call-duty allowances had been paid to eligible health professionals, including health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to promote eligible health professionals from grade level CONHESS 14 to CONHESS 15.

In addition, NUAHP called for the immediate reconstitution of the boards and governing councils of federal health institutions and health regulatory agencies, alleging that the delay had persisted for more than three years.

According to the union, the absence of these governing bodies had affected professional practice, licensing and patient care.

The union further urged the government to address cases of assault, verbal abuse, intimidation and harassment targeting healthcare professionals by enforcing existing anti-assault guidelines to improve security in hospitals.

NUAHP’s mobilisation directive comes as health workers press the federal government to fulfil outstanding agreements, with the union warning that failure to address the demands could lead to a nationwide strike.