Lagos Health Workers Begin Strike, Halting Services at State Hospitals
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Health sector unions in Lagos State, including National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), began a three-day warning strike on Wednesday over the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
NANNM Secretary, Oloruntoba Odumosu, confirmed the strike would proceed after the unions’ ultimatum expired. A meeting with state officials on December 9, 2024 and ended without resolution.
Odumosu said government officials failed to provide a clear timeline or the governor’s approval for payment. Following this, the union congress voted to proceed with the strike. He added that the issue had dragged on despite repeated efforts to resolve it amicably.
He criticized the government for failing to provide clear details on the salary adjustments during a meeting on Dec. 2.
He noted that doctors received their adjustments in October 2024, but other health workers were left out, which he described as unfair and discouraging.
He expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of action despite the unions’ important role in healthcare.
Odumosu confirmed that the unions would go on a warning strike from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13 to demand full salary adjustments for all health workers in Lagos.
The strike will impact all state-owned health facilities, including LASUTH, general hospitals, and primary health centers. Affected union members include nurses, midwives, pharmacists, lab scientists, radiographers, and other health professionals.
