Unions protest delayed salary adjustments, accuse government of neglect
A coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday to demand the implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The unions involved include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, confirmed that the strike followed the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Lagos State Government after a meeting on December 9 ended without a resolution.
Unions Demand Equal Pay Adjustments
“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for implementing our demands, and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment. The Congress unanimously voted to proceed with the strike,” Odumosu stated.
He criticized the state government for prioritizing salary adjustments for doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in October 2024, while failing to address CONHESS adjustments for other health workers.
“This approach, which prioritizes some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the morale of health professionals in the state,” Odumosu added.
Strike Impact and Duration
The strike, which runs from December 11 to December 13, affects operations at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centers (PHCs) across the state.
Workers participating in the strike include nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dieticians, laboratory scientists, optometrists, radiographers, dental therapists, medical social workers, and other allied health professionals.
Government Engagement Falls Short
Odumosu expressed frustration over the government’s failure to provide clarity on the computation method for CONHESS adjustments or commit to a timeline for implementation.
“Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, and previous engagements have not yielded positive outcomes,” he said.
Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary of NUAHP, condemned the delay in implementing the 25% CONHESS adjustment, particularly after a 35% CONMESS adjustment for doctors had already been approved.
Call for Action
The unions stressed that the strike is a last resort after numerous attempts to engage the government amicably.
“We play critical roles in ensuring quality healthcare for Lagos residents, and this neglect cannot continue,” Odumosu said, urging the government to address their demands urgently to prevent a prolonged disruption to healthcare services.
