Lagos health workers embark on 3-day warning strike
By Jeffrey Agbo
Health sector workers in Lagos State commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday over the government’s failure to adjust 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 Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
According to Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, the strike became inevitable after the unions’ ultimatum expired without concrete action from the government. He revealed that a meeting with state officials on December 9 ended without any definitive resolution.
“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for implementing our demands, and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment,” Odumosu said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No,’ insisting on proceeding with the strike.”
Despite multiple efforts to resolve the issue amicably, Odumosu criticised the prolonged delay in addressing the unions’ concerns.
He noted that earlier discussions with the Ministry of Establishments and Training on December 2 failed to clarify the computation method for the adjustment or provide a timeline for implementation.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu begs Lagos landlords not to increase rents
“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment,” he added. “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.”
Odumosu expressed disappointment at the Lagos government’s perceived indifference to the legitimate demands of health workers, who play a vital role in providing quality healthcare to Lagos residents.
“The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from Dec. 11 to Dec. 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.
Similarly, State Secretary of NUAHP, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, decried the delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment. He noted the contrast with the government’s approval of a 35% CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October 2024, describing the disparity as unfair.
The strike is expected to affect services at all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).
Union members participating in the strike include nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dieticians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, radiographers, dental therapists, medical physicists, health information managers, clinical psychologists, and medical social workers.