Labour Unions Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Unimplemented Health Workers' Salary Report
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and all relevant authorities, demanding immediate implementation of the 2021 Technical Committee report on adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The ultimatum, which took effect from January 23, 2026, represents a critical escalation in the ongoing dispute over equitable compensation for health sector workers.
Unions Condemn Government's Selective Implementation
In a strongly-worded joint statement released by TUC Secretary General Comrade NA Toro and NLC Acting General Secretary Comrade Benson Upah, the labour organizations expressed deep frustration with what they described as "conscious acts of injustice and institutional disrespect" toward health workers. The unions highlighted the government's contradictory approach, noting that while authorities had promptly implemented the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment back in January 2014, they have "willfully refused" to extend the same consideration to CONHESS.
"This selective justice and discriminatory application of policy within the same sector expose the insincerity of the government's commitment to fairness, equity, and industrial harmony," the statement declared. The labour leaders emphasized that the continued delay in implementing the 2021 report, which was chaired by the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, can no longer be dismissed as mere administrative oversight.
Imminent Industrial Action Looms
The unions have warned that failure to comply with their demands within the stipulated 14-day period will trigger massive nationwide industrial action involving workers across both public and private sectors. Specific actions threatened include:
- Mass protests and demonstrations across the country
- Picketing of health institutions and government offices
- Complete withdrawal of services until the matter is resolved
- Coordinated industrial action involving all TUC and NLC affiliates
The labour organizations have already placed their 36 state councils and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter on red alert, with mobilization efforts for potential nationwide action already underway. This represents a significant escalation from previous engagements, where the unions had exercised restraint in the interest of maintaining industrial peace.
Government's Unresponsive Attitude Criticized
The statement further criticized the Federal Ministry of Health for what it described as an "arrogantly unresponsive" attitude, noting that despite repeated interventions and engagements, the ministry has consistently offered excuses rather than concrete action. According to the unions, this approach constitutes "a gross abuse of trust and a direct challenge to organized labour."
The labour leaders emphasized that health workers, whose dedicated service sustains the nation's healthcare system, deserve equitable treatment and fair compensation. They warned that organized labour would no longer tolerate empty promises, bureaucratic sabotage, or the continued marginalization of these essential workers.
In their concluding remarks, the unions urged the government to "avert an avoidable national industrial action by doing the needful within the ultimatum period." The ball is now in the government's court as the countdown to potential nationwide disruption begins.
