The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals has directed its members nationwide to begin preparations for a possible strike over the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreed salary adjustments and pay outstanding entitlements.
The union also demanded the immediate payment of 19 months’ arrears of reviewed professional allowances and implementation of the adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, warning that further delays could trigger another nationwide industrial action in the health sector.
The directive was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s National Executive Council meeting held at Dannic Hotels, New Haven, Enugu State, from October 21 to 22, 2026.
The communiqué was obtained by our correspondent on Friday.
It was signed by the union’s National President, Kamal Ibrahim, and General Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.
NUAHP said the mobilisation followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, with the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, on October 23.
The union linked its decision to what it described as prolonged delays in implementing the Federal Government’s commitments to the Joint Health Sector Unions under a terms of settlement signed on February 5, 2026.
It expressed dissatisfaction that the CONHESS adjustment remained outstanding despite an 84-day strike previously embarked upon by JOHESU members and the government’s commitment to resolve the issues that led to the suspension of the action.
“The NEC urges the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, honour its obligations to JOHESU in line with the Terms of Settlement signed on 5th February, 2026, and take concrete steps to prevent resumption of the suspended nationwide strike action,” the communiqué stated.
The union also acknowledged the interventions of the NLC and TUC in pressing for the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and the conclusion of collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Beyond the salary dispute, NUAHP raised concerns over unpaid arrears arising from the review of professional allowances for health workers.
It said the Federal Government issued a circular on revised professional allowances on November 19, 2025, but that the accrued 19 months’ arrears remained outstanding.
The union called for the immediate payment of the arrears to eligible workers, insisting that the government must fulfil its obligations.
It also complained that some health professionals were excluded from call-duty allowances despite performing essential duties outside regular working hours.
Those affected include health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists, according to the communiqué.
NUAHP urged relevant government agencies and heads of healthcare institutions to comply with circulars issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and ensure that all eligible professionals received their entitlements.
The union further alleged that eligible health professionals on CONHESS 14 had been denied progression to CONHESS 15 despite meeting the requirements for promotion.
It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to direct chief executives of healthcare institutions to follow the relevant guidelines and promote qualified workers irrespective of their professional cadres.
On proposed legislative changes affecting the health sector, NUAHP asked the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026.
It argued that the proposed legislation could affect allied health professionals and the wider healthcare system, insisting that its members’ interests and contributions should be considered in decisions concerning the sector.
“The NEC therefore demand that the National Assembly stop further consideration and legislative action on these contentious bills in the interest of the survival of the public health sector,” the communiqué stated.
The union did not provide details of the provisions of the proposed bills but maintained that their potential implications for professional practice and healthcare delivery required further consideration.
Meanwhile, the council expressed concern over what it described as increasing assaults on health workers, despite anti-assault guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It condemned physical attacks, verbal abuse, intimidation and harassment of healthcare professionals while carrying out their duties.
The union called for stricter enforcement of existing guidelines and improved security in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Its recommendations included deploying adequate security personnel, installing improved surveillance systems and strengthening emergency response mechanisms.
On public health preparedness, NUAHP expressed concern about the Federal Government’s readiness to respond to the threat of Ebola, urging stronger surveillance, prevention and response measures.
It called on governments at all levels to “provide personal protective equipment, essential medical supplies, diagnostic resources and infection prevention and control materials, alongside appropriate training for healthcare workers.”
The union also advocated timely public information and adequate funding for relevant public health institutions, warning that insufficient protective equipment, inadequate training and weak infection-control systems could expose health workers to preventable risks during public health emergencies.
NUAHP further urged President Bola Tinubu to reconstitute the boards and governing councils of federal health institutions and regulatory agencies, claiming that the delay had lasted more than three years.
It said functional governing boards were necessary for effective oversight, professional regulation, licensing and the administration of healthcare facilities.
The council also criticised rising petrol prices and the resulting increases in the cost of essential goods and services, saying the situation had weakened workers’ purchasing power and intensified financial pressure on health professionals.
To ease the burden, it called on the Federal Government to revive public refineries and encourage investment in private refineries. It also proposed hardship allowances, palliatives, transport subsidies and tax waivers for workers.
On security, the union commended security operatives for reported rescue operations involving 20 National Youth Service Corps members around the Anambra-Imo axis and urged the government to sustain efforts to combat crime and protect citizens.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to discharge its responsibilities independently and transparently ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold democratic principles and avoid actions that could threaten peace and security.
NUAHP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, professional interests and safety of its members, urging them to remain united as the leadership pursues engagement and other lawful means of securing their demands.
It called on the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to implement outstanding agreements, approved circulars and entitlements affecting health professionals.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]