Nigerian health workers have begun preparations for a possible nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to settle 19 months of allowance arrears and implement adjustments to their salary structure.
The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) announced the mobilisation following its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu State, held from October 21 to 22, 2026.
In a communiqué signed by its National President, Kamal Ibrahim, and General Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union linked the decision to the government’s failure to honour outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The mobilisation followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with support from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), on October 23.
The unions are demanding payment of 19 months’ arrears arising from the review of professional allowances and the implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
NUAHP expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay, despite an 84-day strike previously embarked upon by JOHESU members and the government’s commitment to address the dispute. The union also raised concerns over the exclusion of some health professionals from call-duty allowances despite their involvement in essential duties outside regular working hours.
Affected professionals include health information management officers, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists.
Additionally, NUAHP alleged that some eligible health professionals on CONHESS 14 had not progressed to CONHESS 15 despite meeting the requirements for promotion. The union urged the Federal Government to honour the terms of settlement signed on February 5, 2026, and implement the outstanding agreements to prevent another nationwide industrial action.
It also called on relevant authorities to address the unresolved welfare issues affecting health professionals.
However, the latest mobilisation signals a renewed escalation of the dispute, although the union has not announced a specific date for a strike to begin.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
