Health
Health workers threaten strike over unpaid allowances
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals has directed its members across the country to begin mobilisation for a nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreed salary adjustments and settle outstanding entitlements.
The union also demanded the immediate payment of 19 months’ arrears of reviewed professional allowances and the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure adjustment, warning that continued delays could trigger another round of industrial action in the health sector.
The directive was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s statutory National Executive Council meeting held at Dannic Hotels, New Haven, Enugu State, from October 21 to 22, 2026, and obtained by our correspondent on Friday.
The communiqué was signed by the union’s National President, Kamal Ibrahim, and General Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.
The union said its members should prepare for a nationwide strike following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, with the support of the Trade Union Congress, on October 23.
It said the planned mobilisation followed prolonged delays in implementing the Federal Government’s commitments to the Joint Health Sector Unions under the terms of settlement signed on February 5, 2026.
The union expressed displeasure that the CONHESS adjustment remained outstanding despite an 84-day strike previously embarked upon by JOHESU members and the government’s commitment to address the issues that led to the suspension of the industrial action.
“The NEC urges the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, honour its obligations to JOHESU in line with the Terms of Settlement signed on 5th February, 2026, and take concrete steps to prevent resumption of the suspended nationwide strike action,” the communiqué stated.
The union also acknowledged interventions by the NLC and TUC over JOHESU’s demands, particularly the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and the conclusion of collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Beyond the proposed strike, NUAHP expressed concern over the delay in paying arrears arising from the review of professional allowances.
It noted that the Federal Government issued a circular on reviewed professional allowances for health workers on November 19, 2025, but said the accrued 19 months’ arrears remained unpaid.
The union called for the immediate settlement of the outstanding payments, insisting that the government should fulfil its obligations to eligible health workers.
It also complained that some professionals continued to be excluded from call-duty allowances despite performing essential services outside regular working hours.
Those affected, according to the communiqué, include health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists.
The union urged relevant government agencies and heads of healthcare institutions to comply with existing circulars issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and ensure that all eligible professionals received their entitlements.
NUAHP further raised concerns over the alleged stagnation of eligible health professionals on CONHESS 14, despite meeting requirements for promotion to CONHESS 15.
It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to direct chief executives of healthcare institutions to comply with relevant guidelines and ensure eligible workers were promoted irrespective of their professional cadres.
On proposed legislative changes in the health sector, the union called on the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026.
The union said the bills had implications for allied health professionals and the wider healthcare system, arguing that the interests and contributions of its members must be adequately considered in decisions affecting the sector.
“The NEC therefore demands that the National Assembly stop further consideration and legislative action on these contentious bills in the interest of the survival of the public health sector,” the communiqué stated.
Meanwhile, the council expressed concern over reported increases in assaults on health workers across the country, despite anti-assault guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It condemned physical attacks, verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment and other forms of violence against healthcare professionals in the course of their duties, calling for effective enforcement of existing guidelines and improved security in medical facilities.
The communiqué also raised concerns over the Federal Government’s preparedness for the Ebola virus threat, calling for stronger surveillance, prevention and response measures.
In another concern, NUAHP called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reconstitute boards and governing councils of federal health institutions and health regulatory agencies, noting that the delay had lasted more than three years.
On the broader economic situation, the union called on the Federal Government to revive public refineries, encourage private investment, and introduce hardship allowances, transport subsidies and tax waivers to cushion the impact of rising living costs on workers.
The union also commended security operatives for reported rescue operations involving 20 National Youth Service Corps members around the Anambra-Imo axis, while urging the government to sustain efforts to tackle criminality.
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