Health sector unions in Lagos State have embarked on a three-day warning strike to protest the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The unions involved include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, confirmed the strike during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. He explained that the decision followed the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Lagos State government. A meeting between union leaders and state officials on December 9 failed to resolve the impasse.
“The government couldn’t provide a clear timeline for implementing our demands, nor did we receive the governor’s approval for payment,” Odumosu stated. “When we reported back to the Congress, they unanimously voted to proceed with the strike.”
Odumosu criticized the prolonged delay in addressing the unions’ demands despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue amicably. He expressed frustration over the lack of seriousness shown by the government.
“During our December 2 engagement with the Ministry of Establishments and Training, there was no clarity on the computation method for the adjustments, and no timeline for payment was given,” he said. “It’s especially disappointing since adjustments for doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were implemented as early as October 2024.”
Odumosu also condemned the government’s selective approach, describing it as divisive and harmful to the morale of health professionals. He emphasized that members of the unions play crucial roles in delivering quality healthcare to Lagos residents, yet their contributions are undervalued.
Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary of NUAHP, echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the delay in implementing the 25% CONHESS adjustment while doctors had already received a 35% CONMESS adjustment.
Both leaders described the government’s indifference as disheartening and called for immediate action to address the disparity.
The strike, scheduled from December 11 to December 13, will affect operations in all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centers.
The unions stressed that the warning strike aims to press for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustments for all eligible health workers in Lagos State.
