Lagos health workers begin three-day warning strike

The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State on Wednesday began a three-day warning strike.

The unions 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).

They are protesting the non-implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustments.

The NANNM Secretary, Oloruntoba Odumosu, in a chat with journalists on Tuesday night insisted that the strike would go ahead following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.

He said the December 9 meeting between the union leaders and officials of the state government ended in deadlock.

Odumosu said: “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.

READ ALSO: Lagos nurses, midwives suspend 3-day warning strike

“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.

“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.”

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