By Michael Oche
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has directed its members across the country to begin mobilisation for a nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s delay in implementing the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other outstanding agreements with health workers.
The directive followed the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from October 21 to 22, 2026, in Enugu State, where it expressed displeasure over the continued delay in implementing the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by its National President, Comrade (Dr.) Kamal Ibrahim, and General Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, NUAHP called on the Federal Government to honour the terms of settlement signed with JOHESU on February 5, 2026.
The union said its members should prepare for the industrial action ahead of the expiration of the two-week strike ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), on October 23, 2026.
NUAHP also appreciated the interventions of the NLC and TUC on JOHESU’s demands, particularly the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and the conclusion of collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
The union expressed concern over the delay in paying 19 months of arrears arising from the reviewed professional allowances for health workers, despite the Federal Government’s issuance of a circular on November 19, 2025.
It urged the government to pay the outstanding arrears without further delay and called on relevant authorities to ensure that all eligible health professionals receive their call-duty allowances in line with existing government circulars and regulations.
The NEC further demanded the promotion of eligible health professionals from CONHESS 14 to CONHESS 15, alleging that some chief executives of healthcare institutions had continued to disregard the relevant guidelines on career advancement.
On the safety of health workers, NUAHP raised concerns over reported cases of physical assault, verbal abuse, intimidation and harassment against healthcare professionals.
It called on the Federal Government to enforce existing anti-assault guidelines and strengthen security arrangements in hospitals and other healthcare institutions.
The union also urged the government to strengthen public health preparedness against the Ebola virus through the provision of personal protective equipment, essential medical supplies, diagnostic resources, training and adequate funding for relevant public health institutions.
On governance in the health sector, NUAHP called for the immediate reconstitution of the boards and governing councils of federal health institutions and regulatory agencies, noting that the delay had lasted more than three years.
It also asked the National Assembly to halt further consideration of the contentious Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026, arguing that the interests and professional contributions of allied health professionals must be adequately considered in legislative decisions affecting the sector.
On the economy, the union expressed concern over rising petrol prices and the resulting increase in the cost of essential goods and services, which it said had eroded workers’ purchasing power.
It urged the Federal Government to revive public refineries and encourage investment in private refineries, while introducing measures such as hardship allowances, transport subsidies, tax waivers and palliatives to cushion the impact of rising living costs on workers.
The union also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its constitutional responsibilities independently and transparently to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, credible and peaceful.
NUAHP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, professional interests, career progression and safety of its members, urging the Federal Government to implement outstanding agreements and approved entitlements to avert further industrial action.
