…Allied health professionals accuse FG of delaying CONHESS adjustment, warn against renewed industrial action

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has directed its members across health facilities nationwide to commence mobilisation for a possible nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to implement outstanding agreements on salary adjustments, professional allowances and other welfare demands.

The union also demanded the immediate payment of 19 months’ arrears of reviewed professional allowances, the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment and the conclusion of collective bargaining negotiations with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

NUAHP issued the directive in a communiqué at the end of its statutory National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from October 21 to 22, 2026, at Dannic Hotels, New Haven, Enugu State.

The meeting was attended by members of the National Administrative Council and NEC from health institutions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside national presidents and secretaries of healthcare professional associations affiliated with the union.

The union said its mobilisation directive was in preparation for 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), which it said commenced on October 9 and would expire on October 23, 2026.

It urged the Federal Government to honour its obligations under the terms of settlement signed with JOHESU on February 5, 2026, warning that failure to address the outstanding issues could lead to a resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action.

The NEC expressed appreciation to the NLC and TUC for their interventions on JOHESU’s demands, particularly the CONHESS adjustment and the conclusion of collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

NUAHP expressed concern over the delay in paying 19 months’ arrears arising from the reviewed professional allowances for health workers, despite the Federal Government’s circular issued on November 19, 2025.

The union called for the immediate settlement of the outstanding arrears, insisting that healthcare professionals deserved their approved entitlements for the essential services they render to Nigerians.

It also condemned the continued exclusion of some health professionals from call-duty allowances, despite their responsibilities outside regular working hours.

Among the affected professionals identified by the union are Health Information Management professionals, Medical Social Workers, Speech Therapists and Audiologists.

The NEC called on relevant government agencies and chief executives of healthcare institutions to ensure that all eligible professionals receive their allowances in accordance with existing government circulars and regulations.
Opposes Health Sector Amendment Bills

Executive Amendment Bills 2026, warning that the proposed legislation could have implications for allied health professionals and the broader Nigerian healthcare system.

It insisted that the professional roles, interests and contributions of allied health professionals must be adequately considered in legislative and policy decisions affecting the sector.

Consequently, NUAHP demanded that the National Assembly halt further consideration and legislative action on the contentious bills, arguing that such a move would be in the interest of the survival of the public health sector.

On career progression, the union alleged that some chief executives of healthcare institutions were attempting to stagnate eligible professionals on CONHESS 14, contrary to an existing circular issued by the Office of the Minister of Health on June 20, 2022.

It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to direct the affected institutions to promote eligible health professionals who have met the requirements for advancement to CONHESS 15, irrespective of their professional cadre.

According to the union, continued disregard for the relevant guidelines could undermine workers’ morale, career progression and productivity.

NUAHP further expressed concern over the delay in reconstituting the boards and governing councils of Federal Health Institutions and health regulatory agencies, which it said had persisted for more than three years.

The union argued that the prolonged absence of these governing bodies could adversely affect professional practice, licensing and the quality of patient care.

It therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reconstitute the boards and governing councils in the interest of Nigerians who depend on the country’s healthcare system.

The NEC condemned the reported increase in cases of assault against healthcare professionals across the country, despite the anti-assault guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

It denounced physical attacks, verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment and other forms of violence against health workers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

The union urged the Federal Government to enforce existing anti-assault guidelines and strengthen security arrangements in hospitals and other healthcare institutions through adequate security personnel, improved surveillance systems and effective emergency response mechanisms.

It maintained that healthcare workers must be protected from violence to enable them to perform their professional responsibilities safely and effectively.

Seeks Urgent Measures Against Ebola Threat
On public health preparedness, NUAHP expressed concern over the threat posed by the Ebola virus and called for proactive measures to prevent its spread in Nigeria.

It urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and relevant public health agencies, to strengthen disease surveillance, prevention and response mechanisms.

The union also called for the provision of adequate personal protective equipment, essential medical supplies, diagnostic resources, infection prevention and control materials, appropriate training for healthcare workers, timely public information and sufficient funding for public health institutions.

Calls for Action on Rising Cost of Living
Beyond the health sector, the union expressed concern over the persistent increase in the prices of petrol and other petroleum products, warning that the development had further increased the cost of essential goods and services and eroded workers’ purchasing power.

It called on the Federal Government to revive the country’s moribund public refineries and encourage investment in private refineries to improve domestic petroleum supply.

The union also demanded urgent social intervention measures, including hardship allowances, palliatives, transport subsidies and tax waivers, to cushion the impact of prevailing economic difficulties on health workers and other Nigerian employees.

Commends Security Agencies, Urges Credible 2027 Elections
On national security, NUAHP commended security operatives for reported efforts that led to the rescue of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members around the Anambra-Imo axis, alongside other rescue operations across the country.

It urged President Tinubu and relevant security agencies to sustain and strengthen efforts to eliminate criminal elements, protect citizens, restore public confidence and create a safer environment for economic activities.

The NEC also expressed concern over preparations for the 2027 general elections and prevailing political tensions across party lines.

It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its constitutional responsibilities independently, impartially and transparently to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

Political parties, candidates and their supporters were also urged to respect democratic principles and avoid actions capable of undermining national peace and security.

In conclusion, NUAHP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the professional interests, welfare, safety and legitimate rights of its members.

The communiqué was signed by the union’s National President, Comrade (Dr.) Kamal Ibrahim, FPCPharm, and General Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, fnli.

The union urged its members to remain united and steadfast, assuring them that its leadership would continue to pursue their demands through constructive engagement, advocacy and other legitimate trade union mechanisms.