Health workers threaten strike over unpaid arrears

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has demanded the immediate payment of seven months’ arrears from their 2024 pay rise to avoid industrial action.

This demand was made following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NUAHP and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on Tuesday in Jos.

A statement issued after the meeting and signed by Mr Kamal Ibrahim (National President) and Mr Martin Egbanubi (General Secretary) noted the dissatisfaction expressed by the unions over the delay in paying the 25% and 35% increase of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), covering the months of June to December 2023.

“Despite the 2024 budget allocation and the inclusion of this payment in the 2025 budget, the delay in disbursing the arrears is unacceptable,” the union leaders said.

The unions accused the government of breaching agreements made in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 29th October and 20th December 2024, after the suspension of the nationwide strike.

The unions called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the relevant ministries address the issue swiftly to avoid further industrial unrest.

In addition to arrears, they also requested a reduction in taxes on clinical allowances and the implementation of retention allowances for healthcare workers.

The unions also urged the government to implement a subsidy on electricity tariffs, particularly for low-income residential areas and essential institutions like hospitals and universities.