Health workers in Lagos State, under the banner of a coalition of unions, have officially begun a three-day warning strike. The strike, which commenced on December 11, 2024, is in response to the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for various health workers in the state. The unions involved in this action include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
According to Oloruntoba Odumosu, the Secretary of NANNM, the strike was inevitable following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions. Odumosu stated, “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.” He further revealed that a meeting held with state government officials on December 9 ended without a resolution, leaving the unions with no choice but to proceed with the strike.
Odumosu expressed frustration over the delayed response, noting that despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue amicably, the government had failed to take the matter seriously. He remarked, “It has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.” This frustration was compounded by the results of a recent engagement on December 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training, which he said failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the salary adjustment.
The core of the unions’ grievance lies in the fact that while doctors in Lagos State have already received a 35 percent salary increase under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) since October 2024, health workers covered by CONHESS have been left waiting. Odumosu highlighted the divisiveness of this disparity, saying, “This approach, which prioritizes some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state.”
In his statements, Odumosu emphasized the essential role that health workers play in the healthcare system, expressing disappointment over the government’s perceived indifference. “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,” he said. The unions are determined to press for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos state.
Kamaldeen Kabiawu, the State Secretary of NUAHP, also voiced concerns over the delayed implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, particularly in light of the more favorable treatment given to doctors. Kabiawu lamented that the delay in the 25 percent adjustment has only added to the growing dissatisfaction among the health workers. “It is discouraging to see that after doctors received their adjustment, the same attention has not been given to the rest of the health workforce,” he said.
The warning strike will have widespread effects, as it impacts all state-owned health facilities, including Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centers (PHCs). During this period, the unions are calling on the state government to address their demands urgently to avoid further disruption to healthcare services in the state.
