Citing the non implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) salary adjustment, the coalition health sector unions has embarked on a three-day warning strike.
Oloruntoba Odumosi, Secretary , National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Oloruntoba disclosed to reporters that the meeting held on December 9,2024 ended in a deadlock despite various ultimatums issued by the unions.
Explaining the negligence of the communique issued, Odumosu said, “the government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands, and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment.”
He acknowledged that the majority of the unionists in an in-house meeting held at the secretariat unanimously voted ‘No,’ insisting on proceeding with the strike.
Despite several attempts to address the lingering issue amicably, Odumosu stated that the government appears indifferent while emphasising the role the healthcare workers play.
He said, “However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.”
“Engagement on December 2 ,2024 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.
“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment.
Explaining their frustration over thr issue, the union’s scribe described the situation as disheartening adjustments that have already been implemented for doctors since October 2024.
“This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state.
He added, “The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, begining from December 11 to 13,2024.
