Lagos State’s health sector union coalition launched a three-day warning strike on Wednesday, December 11, in protest of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) changes not being implemented.
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) are among the unions.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NANNM Secretary Oloruntoba Odumosu stated that the strike would continue after the unions’ ultimatum had passed.
Odumosu revealed that a Dec. 9 meeting between union leaders and state government representatives similarly resulted in a deadlock.
“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 grumbled that the issue had persisted for so long in spite of the unions’ repeated efforts to settle 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 lamented that despite the vital responsibilities that union members play in guaranteeing that Lagos citizens receive high-quality healthcare, the government seemed “indifferent” to meeting their justifiable demands.
“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.