HEALTH WORKERS BEGIN STRIKE MOBILISATION OVER 19 MONTHS’ ALLOWANCE ARREARS

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals has directed members nationwide to prepare for a possible strike over unpaid allowances and delays in implementing agreed salary adjustments.

The union demanded payment of 19 months’ arrears of reviewed professional allowances and implementation of the adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, known as CONHESS.

The directive followed its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu on October 21 and 22, 2026. A communiqué outlining the decisions was signed by National President Kamal Ibrahim and General Secretary Martin Egbanubi.

NUAHP said the mobilisation followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress with support from the Trade Union Congress.

The union accused the Federal Government of failing to fulfil commitments made to the Joint Health Sector Unions under a settlement signed on February 5, 2026.

It expressed frustration that the CONHESS adjustment remained unresolved despite an earlier 84-day strike and assurances that the outstanding issues would be addressed.

Beyond salary adjustments, the union said eligible workers were still awaiting arrears arising from revised professional allowances.

It also complained that some professionals—including health information management workers, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists—were excluded from call-duty allowances despite working outside regular hours.

NUAHP further alleged that qualified workers on CONHESS 14 had been denied progression to CONHESS 15. It urged health authorities and hospital management teams to follow the relevant promotion guidelines.

The union also asked the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026.

While preparations for industrial action are underway, the communiqué provided did not announce a definite strike commencement date.