Labour Unions Issue Final Warning Over Health Workers' Salary Dispute
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have escalated their demands for fair compensation in the health sector by issuing a definitive 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and associated government agencies. This decisive action comes in response to the prolonged non-implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), with organized labour explicitly warning that failure to address this critical issue will trigger comprehensive nationwide industrial action.
Accusations of Deliberate Neglect and Institutional Disrespect
In a strongly worded joint statement released by the unions, the Federal Ministry of Health stands accused of perpetuating sustained injustice against health sector professionals. The labour centres characterize the extended delay in adjusting CONHESS as both deliberate and provocative, moving beyond mere administrative oversight into what they describe as institutional disrespect and unfair treatment of essential workers.
The statement, jointly signed by Comrade General NA Toro, Secretary General of the TUC, and Comrade Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, specifically faults the government for refusing to implement the comprehensive report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS. This crucial document was submitted back in 2021 under the chairmanship of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission leadership.
Five Years of Hardship and Discriminatory Treatment
Organized labour expressed profound concern that more than five years after the technical committee submitted its recommendations, health workers operating under CONHESS continue to endure significant hardship, frustration, and workplace inequality. The unions highlight the stark contrast with other salary structures within the health sector that have received prompt attention and implementation.
The labour centres particularly condemned what they view as discriminatory treatment within Nigeria's health sector, noting that while the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) was adjusted and implemented effective January 2, 2014, CONHESS has been systematically ignored. This selective application of salary policies, according to the unions, fundamentally undermines government claims of fairness, equity, and commitment to maintaining industrial harmony.
Ultimatum Timeline and Mobilization Plans
The 14-day ultimatum officially takes effect from January 23, 2026, with organized labour demanding immediate implementation of the 2021 Technical Committee report on CONHESS, following established precedents within the health sector. The unions have issued a clear warning that failure to comply within this deadline will result in coordinated nationwide industrial action, including:
- Mass protests across major cities
- Picketing of health institutions and government offices
- Total withdrawal of services nationwide
All TUC and NLC affiliates throughout Nigeria, including the 36 state councils and the Federal Capital Territory administration, have been placed on red alert and directed to commence immediate mobilization for the planned industrial action.
Final Warning to Government Authorities
The labour centres have advised the Federal Government to act promptly to prevent what they describe as an entirely avoidable national shutdown. They issued a stern warning that the Ministry of Health will be held fully accountable for the consequences of continued inaction on this critical salary matter.
The unions emphasized they will no longer tolerate what they characterize as empty promises, bureaucratic obstruction, or the continued marginalization of health workers whose services remain absolutely critical to national wellbeing and public health security. This ultimatum represents a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over equitable compensation within Nigeria's vital health sector.
