Health Salary Dispute Pushes Nigeria Toward Shutdown
Labour Braces for Nationwide Industrial Action
NIGERIA could face a fresh wave of nationwide industrial action as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have jointly threatened a coordinated strike if the Federal Government fails to meet the demands of health workers within 14 days.
The ultimatum, issued in solidarity with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), raises the prospect of a shutdown across key sectors of the economy, with organised labour warning that continued government inaction has pushed workers to the brink.
CONHESS Dispute at the Centre
At the heart of the looming confrontation is the Federal Government’s failure to implement the 2021 report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The report, submitted over four years ago, was expected to address longstanding wage disparities affecting health workers outside the medical doctors’ cadre.
In a joint statement signed by TUC Secretary General, Dr. N.A. Toro, and Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, the unions accused the government of deliberately ignoring the agreement despite repeated engagements.
They described the delay as “a conscious act of injustice, bad faith and institutional disrespect” to health workers and organised labour.
Claims of Selective Policy Implementation
The unions expressed anger over what they described as selective justice within the health sector. They noted that while the government implemented adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors with effect from January 2, 2014, it has consistently refused to do the same for CONHESS.
According to them, this uneven treatment has deepened resentment among health professionals and exposed what they called the government’s insincerity toward equity and industrial harmony.
Ultimatum and Planned Actions
TUC and NLC declared the 14-day ultimatum, effective from January 23, 2026, as “final and irrevocable.” They warned that failure to act would compel organised labour to mobilise workers across both public and private sectors for a total shutdown.
Planned actions include mass protests, picketing of health institutions and government offices, and a nationwide withdrawal of services until the issue is resolved.
Accusations Against the Ministry of Health
The unions accused the Federal Ministry of Health of arrogance and non-responsiveness, alleging that the ministry has offered excuses rather than concrete action despite sustained dialogue.
They said organised labour had exercised restraint in the interest of national stability but warned that patience had now worn thin.
As the deadline approaches, the standoff places renewed pressure on the Federal Government to act swiftly or risk widespread disruption to healthcare delivery and broader economic activity.
