The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos state commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday, protesting the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The unions involved include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
In an interview, the Secretary of NANNM, Oloruntoba Odumosu, revealed that the strike follows the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.
The decision was finalized after an inconclusive meeting with state government officials on December 9, which ended in a deadlock.
“The government officials couldn’t provide a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands, nor was there an approval from the governor for the payment,” Odumosu said.
He explained that this feedback was relayed to the unions’ congress, which unanimously voted to proceed with the strike, citing the state government’s perceived lack of seriousness.
Odumosu lamented that the issue has persisted for too long despite multiple attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.
“During our engagement with the Ministry of Establishments and Training on December 2, no clarity was provided on the computation method for the adjustment. Worse still, Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, and there was no definitive timeline for the payment,” he stated.
He further expressed dismay that doctors in the state had already received a 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment in October 2024, while health workers under CONHESS continue to be sidelined.
This selective approach, which prioritises one segment of the health workforce over others, is divisive and demoralising. It undermines the collective morale of health professionals in Lagos State,” Odumosu said.
The strike will affect all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).
The affected workforce comprises a wide range of professionals, including:
Nurses and midwives, pharmacists and physiotherapists, dieticians and radiographers, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists and dental therapists, medical physicists and clinical psychologists, health information managers and medical social workers.
These unions collectively represent the backbone of healthcare delivery in the state, ensuring quality care for Lagos residents.
State Secretary of NUAHP, Kamaldeen Kabiawu also criticised the government’s delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment, especially after approving the 35% CONMESS adjustment for doctors.
“This delay underscores the government’s indifference to the critical contributions of other health workers. The warning strike, scheduled from December 11 to December 13, is our last resort to demand equity and fairness in the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment,” Kabiawu said.
The unions stressed that their demands are legitimate and essential for maintaining morale and ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare services.
“This strike is a necessary step to press home our demands for fairness and equity,” Odumosu concluded.
The Lagos State government has yet to issue an official response to the strike, leaving many residents concerned about potential disruptions to healthcare services during the three-day industrial action.
©CDA News
