Health sector unions in Lagos State have initiated a three-day warning strike to protest the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The unions involved include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, stated in an interview on Wednesday that the strike would proceed after the expiration of the unions’ ultimatum. He noted that a meeting with state government officials on December 9 ended without resolution.

“The government officials could not provide a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands, and there was no governor’s approval for the payment,” Odumosu said. “We reported this to our Congress, which was ongoing at the time, and it unanimously decided to proceed with the strike.”

He expressed frustration that the issue had persisted despite multiple attempts to resolve it. “It is now evident that the government does not treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Odumosu continued. “A meeting on December 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training only heightened our concerns, as no clarity was provided on how the adjustments would be computed.”

Odumosu emphasized the government’s failure to implement the full CONHESS structure, adding that a timeline for payment had not been given. He criticized the partial implementation of the adjustment, noting that doctors had already received a CONMESS adjustment of 35 percent since October 2024, while other health workers were left behind. “This divisive approach undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.

Odumosu lamented the government’s apparent indifference to the unions’ demands, despite their crucial role in delivering quality healthcare. “The handling of this matter has left us with no choice but to initiate this warning strike from December 11 to December 13,” he said. “We are demanding the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos State.”

Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary of NUAHP, criticized the delayed implementation of the 25 percent CONHESS adjustment, especially after the government approved the 35 percent CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October.

The strike will affect all state-run health facilities, including Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centers (PHCs).