December 11, (THEWILL) – Health sector unions in Lagos State commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday over the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
The unions involved in the industrial action include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
The strike, which affects state-owned health facilities including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital general hospitals, and primary health centres, follows the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the state government.
NANNM Secretary, Oloruntoba Odumosu, disclosed that the unions decided on the strike after a meeting with state officials on December 9 ended in a stalemate.
Odumosu expressed disappointment over the Lagos State government’s perceived indifference toward the unions’ demands, which he described as legitimate and critical to ensuring quality healthcare delivery in the state.
“The government officials failed to provide a clear timeline for implementing our demands, and there was no approval from the governor for the payment. The Congress unanimously voted to proceed with the strike, given the lack of commitment from the state,” he said.
Odumosu further criticised the government for prioritising adjustments for doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure in October 2024, while health workers under CONHESS were left out.
“This divisive approach, which favours some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, undermines the collective morale of health professionals in Lagos,” he added.
The Secretary of NUAHP in Lagos, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, also decried the delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment, noting that the government had already approved a 35% CONMESS adjustment for doctors.
The unions maintain that the strike, which will run from December 11 to December 13, is a last resort to press home their demands for equal salary adjustments and recognition of their contributions to the health sector.
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