Health workers threaten strike, demand payment of salary arrears

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has urged the federal government to settle the outstanding seven months’ salary arrears arising from the 2024 pay rise for health workers.

This demand was outlined in a communiqué issued following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NUAHP and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) held in Jos, Plateau State.

NUAHP represents a range of allied health professionals, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, imaging scientists, dental technologists, occupational therapists, health information management practitioners, dental therapists, dietitians, and others.

The NEC expressed deep concern over the delay in implementing the 25% and 35% adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), covering the period from June to December 2023.

“The NEC-in-session expressed particular worry regarding the seven months’ arrears (June 2023 to December 2023) of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONHESS, despite their inclusion in both the 2024 and 2025 budgets,” the communiqué stated.

The unions criticised the delay as a violation of a memorandum of understanding (Mou) signed with the federal government on 29 October 2024, which had previously led to the suspension of a nationwide strike.

They accused the government of failing to fulfil its obligations, including agreements reached on 20 December 2024.

“NEC, therefore, demands the immediate payment of these arrears to avert industrial action,” the communiqué added.

The unions called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and instruct the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to address the issue without further delay to prevent disruption within the health sector.

Additionally, they advocated for reductions in taxes on clinical allowances such as call duty, shift duty, and teaching duty, citing the increasing cost of living. They also appealed for the introduction of a retention allowance to incentivise healthcare professionals to remain in the country.

Ifeoma Nwovu