Lagos health workers begin strike

The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, commenced a three-day warning strike over the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

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).

The Secretary of NANNM, Oloruntoba Odumosu, on Tuesday, insisted that the strike would hold following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.

Odumosu disclosed that a meeting of the union leaders with officials of the Lagos State Government on Monday, December 9, also ended in an impasse.

He 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.”

Odumosu stated that the matter had lingered for long, despite numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.

He added: “However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.

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“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.”

Odumosu lamented that the government appears ‘indifferent’ to addressing their legitimate demands despite the critical roles played by members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos residents.

Odumosu said: “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.

“It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos State.”

The strike will affect all state-owned health facilities – Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres.

Members of the unions include nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dieticians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, and radiographers.

Others are dental therapists, medical physicists, health information managers, clinical psychologists, and medical social workers.

The Star