Lagos health sector unions begin three-day warning strike over salary structure dispute

Health sector unions in Lagos State commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday, protesting the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The unions involved in the strike include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, confirmed the strike in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), emphasizing that the action was a result of the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.

Despite attempts to resolve the issue, a meeting between union leaders and state government officials on December 9 ended in an impasse, leading to the decision to proceed with the strike.

“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for implementing our demands, and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment.

“We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No,’ insisting on proceeding with the strike,” he said.

He complained that the matter had lingered for long, despite numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.

“However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.

“Engagement on Dec. 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.

“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment.

“This is especially disheartening as adjustments have already been implemented for doctors since October 2024.

“This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.

Odumosu regretted that the government appears ‘indifferent’ to addressing their legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles played by members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos residents.

“The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.

“It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos state,” he said.

Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary, NUAHP, decried the delayed implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment, especially after the government approved a 35 per cent CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October 2024.

NAN reports that the strike will affect all state-owned health facilities—Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).

Members of the unions include nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dieticians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, and radiographers.

Others are dental therapists, medical physicists, health information managers, clinical psychologists, and medical social workers. (NAN)