The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State has begun a three-day warning strike due to the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The unions involved include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
In an interview with NAN on Wednesday, Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, stated that the strike would proceed after the expiration of the ultimatum issued by the unions.
Odumosu also revealed that a meeting between union leaders and state government officials on December 9 ended without a resolution.
“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.
“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 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,” he said.
Odumosu expressed regret that the government seemed to be ‘unconcerned’ regarding the fulfilment of their rightful demands, despite the essential contributions of union members in providing quality healthcare to the residents of Lagos.
“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 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.
Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary of NUAHP, also criticised the delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment, particularly after the government approved a 35% CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October 2024.
According to NAN, the strike will impact all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).
