Health Professionals Press for CONHESS Arrears and Welfare Reforms,Threatens Industrial Action

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate payment of seven months’ salary arrears following the 2024 pay rise, threatening to resume industrial action if their demands are not met.

The resolution came at the conclusion of a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Jos, Plateau State, alongside the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The meeting communiqué, made public in Abuja on Tuesday, was jointly signed by Kamal Ibrahim, National President of NUAHP, and Martin Egbanubi, the General Secretary.

The call for urgent action has intensified as frustrations mount over the government’s delay in implementing the 25% and 35% salary reviews approved under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for allied health professionals.

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Delayed Implementation Sparks Tensions

According to the union, health workers have been waiting for payment of the CONHESS arrears from June to December 2023, totaling seven months. These arrears, the union leaders explained, were not only factored into the 2024 national budget but have now been carried over into the 2025 fiscal plan, yet remain unpaid.

“The NEC-in-session was particularly worried about the seven months’ arrears despite being captured in the budget. NEC describes the delay in the payment as unacceptable and considers it a violation of item five of the FG-JOHESU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 29, 2024, and further resolutions on December 20, 2024,” the communiqué read.

Unmet Agreements After Strike Suspension

The union condemned the government’s failure to fulfil the terms of the October MoU, which was signed after JOHESU suspended a nationwide strike in good faith. The failure to honour the agreement has raised fears of renewed labour unrest within the health sector.

NUAHP and JOHESU urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to avoid a crippling disruption in healthcare services. “NEC calls on President Bola Tinubu to honour his promise to JOHESU by directing relevant MDAs and other federal organs to urgently address the matter to ensure industrial harmony in the public interest,” they stated.

Call for Welfare Incentives and Tax Relief

In addition to salary arrears, the unions are advocating for broader reforms to improve the welfare of health professionals. Among their demands is the implementation of tax relief on allowances like call duty, shift duty, and teaching, noting that these adjustments are critical in light of the current high cost of living.

They also called for the payment of retention allowances to healthcare workers, particularly to stem the growing tide of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector. With many professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, the unions believe incentives could help retain critical manpower.

Electricity Tariff and Fuel Price Concerns

The NEC meeting also expressed deep concern over the skyrocketing electricity tariffs imposed on Nigerians despite unreliable supply. It criticised the categorization of electricity bands and called on the federal government to subsidize electricity for vulnerable groups, including residents in low-income communities, hospitals, and schools.

To address the larger structural challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, the union recommended the decentralization of power generation, transmission, and distribution, allowing sub-national entities to develop independent energy solutions tailored to their regional needs.

Furthermore, the unions stressed the need for urgent action on the nation’s ailing refineries, urging the government to revive domestic refining capacity and lower the price of petroleum products, which continue to rise, placing a burden on both citizens and public services.

NUAHP Members: Backbone of Nigeria’s Health System

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals represents a diverse array of critical healthcare providers, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, imaging scientists, dental technologists, dieticians, and occupational therapists. These professionals play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery and are often the first responders in clinical diagnostics and rehabilitative services.

Failure to meet their demands could result in significant disruption across public hospitals and diagnostic centres nationwide, especially in the wake of ongoing pressures on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Final Word: Dialogue or Disruption?

With the union drawing a clear line in the sand, the ball is now in the Federal Government’s court. The NUAHP and JOHESU have made it clear that the continued silence or inaction will not be tolerated and have warned of imminent strike actions if arrears and reforms are not addressed.

Whether the government will engage swiftly or risk another health sector shutdown remains to be seen—but the urgency for dialogue and decisive action has never been greater.