Health sector unions in Lagos State have commenced a three-day warning strike, citing the government’s failure to implement adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The strike, which began on December 11, involves major unions such as 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).
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Secretary of NANNM, Oloruntoba Odumosu, revealed that the unions resorted to industrial action after an ultimatum to the government expired.
He noted that a crucial meeting with government officials on December 9 ended without a clear commitment or governor’s approval for payment.
“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,” Odumosu stated.
He criticised the government’s perceived lack of urgency in resolving the issue, despite several efforts by the unions to resolve the matter amicably.
He pointed out that a December 2 engagement with the Ministry of Establishments and Training also failed to yield a concrete plan on how the adjustment would be calculated or when payments would commence.
According to Odumosu, Lagos State operates a partial CONHESS structure, unlike other states that have adopted the full system.
He expressed disappointment that doctors in the state had already received a 35% adjustment to their salaries under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) since October 2024, while other health workers were left out.
“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,” Odumosu lamented.
He stated that the government’s indifference to the unions’ demands, despite the critical role health workers play in ensuring quality healthcare for Lagos residents, left them with no option but to embark on the strike.
“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.
Echoing Odumosu’s sentiments, the State Secretary of NUAHP, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, condemned the delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment.
He expressed frustration that doctors had already received a 35% CONMESS adjustment, while other health workers were left waiting.
The warning strike is expected to disrupt operations in all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs) across the state.
Health workers insist that the strike is a last resort aimed at compelling the government to address long-standing grievances and ensure fair treatment of all health professionals in Lagos.