Lagos health workers begin strike over salary adjustments

The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos has embarked on a three-day warning strike over non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

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

Members of the unions include nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, radiographers, dental therapists, medical physicists, health information managers, clinical psychologists, and medical social workers.

Speaking with NAN, Oloruntoba Odumosu, secretary of NANNM, said leaders of the unions held a meeting on December 9 which ended in a deadlock.

He said the strike followed the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.

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

“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 the matter had lingered for long, in spite of numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.

Odumosu added that government appears “indifferent” to addressing the legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles healthcare workers play.

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

“Engagement on December 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.

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

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