The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has announced a three-day warning strike in Lagos State, slated to run from Wednesday, December 11, to Friday, December 13, 2024.
In a letter dated December 5, 2024, and signed by the union’s Secretary, Oloruntoba Odumosu, NANNM disclosed that the strike will be carried out in collaboration with other unions in the health sector to protest the Lagos State Government’s handling of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment.
“The three-day warning strike is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and will continue until Friday, December 13, 2024, in collaboration with other sister unions in the health sector,” the letter stated.
The union criticized the state government for what it described as discriminatory practices in implementing the salary adjustments. While doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure have received their adjustments, other health workers, including nurses and allied health professionals, have reportedly been excluded. “The government’s failure to implement the adjustment for other health professionals is intolerable and must be addressed,” NANNM stated.
Adding to the concerns, the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has also expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed implementation of the 25% CONHESS adjustment. In a letter signed by its State Secretary, Kabiawu Kamaldeen, the union called for unity among health workers, urging members to prepare for the strike. “This notice serves as a clarion call for mobilisation and preparedness. Let us be resolute in this struggle for a fruitful outcome,” the letter read.
Similarly, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) have voiced their frustrations, accusing the government of neglecting the contributions of non-medical health workers. In a statement, JOHESU condemned the state government’s actions, describing them as divisive and demoralizing. “Despite the essential contributions we make to healthcare delivery in Lagos State, the government’s response to our legitimate requests has been nothing short of neglect,” the union said.
The unions have resolved to press for a resolution that ensures fair treatment and equity for all health workers in the state.
