Nigerian health workers mobilise over 19 months of arrears
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals is mobilising its members ahead of a possible strike to secure 19 months of outstanding allowances and implementation of the sector’s new pay scale. The move follows the expiry of a union ultimatum and could lead to another nationwide shutdown of health services, according to its statement signed by Kamal Ibrahim and Martin Egbanubi.
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has demanded the immediate payment of 19 months of outstanding professional allowances and the implementation of a pay rise, while preparing its members for a possible nationwide strike, Punch reports. The decision is set out in a statement signed by the union’s national president, Kamal Ibrahim, and its general secretary, Martin Egbanubi.
The union has accused the federal government of failing to implement an adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the pay scale for health professionals, despite an agreement reached with sector unions on 5 February 2026. It has also called for payment of the revised allowances following a circular issued on 19 November 2025.
The mobilisation follows the expiry on 23 October of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). NUAHP recalled that an 84-day strike by the sector’s unions had already been suspended following commitments from the government, according to Punch.
The February agreement provides for the implementation of commitments made to the joint unions in the health sector. NUAHP has called on the government to honour these obligations to prevent the resumption of a suspended nationwide action.
