Nurses and other healthcare workers in Lagos State, under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have commenced a three-day warning strike to protest the government's failure to address their demands for salary adjustments under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The strike, set to run from Wednesday, December 11, to Friday, December 13, 2024, is being carried out in collaboration with other unions in the health sector.
In a statement signed by NANNM Secretary, Oloruntoba Odumosu, the union expressed frustration with the Lagos State Government’s selective implementation of salary adjustments. “The government’s decision to adjust the salaries of doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) while ignoring other health professionals is unacceptable,” the statement read.
The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) also voiced its discontent, criticizing the delay in implementing the promised 25% CONHESS adjustment. In a letter signed by State Secretary Kabiawu Kamaldeen, the union called for collective action, stating, “This notice serves as a rallying cry for solidarity. We must remain steadfast in this struggle for fair treatment.”
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) echoed similar sentiments, accusing the government of undermining healthcare professionals. JOHESU stated, “Despite our critical roles in delivering quality healthcare, our legitimate demands have been ignored. This divisive strategy only weakens the morale of health workers.”
A joint congress of the unions is planned for Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where they will discuss further strategies.
The unions have urged their members to remain resolute, with MHWUN emphasizing, “Unity is key in advocating for the fair implementation of the CONHESS adjustments for all health professionals.”
