The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health to implement the long-delayed report on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide industrial action.
The unions announced the ultimatum on Saturday in Abuja, noting that the report, which was submitted in 2021 to address salary disparities among health workers, has yet to be implemented. They warned that the delay is placing increasing pressure on the health sector and could disrupt services across the country.
In a joint statement signed by the TUC Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, and the NLC Acting General Secretary, Mr. Benson Upah, the unions accused the government of acting in bad faith and subjecting health workers to unfair treatment.
They warned that if the Ministry of Health fails to act within the stipulated 14 days, organised labour would mobilise workers nationwide, a move that could affect hospitals and essential health services.
The unions demanded the immediate implementation of the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of CONHESS, which was chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. They said the committee was established to correct salary distortions and address long-standing grievances within the health sector.
“Health workers have waited long enough for over five years. The Ministry must act without further delay,” the unions said.
They added that the continued delay amounted to a direct insult to organised labour and to health professionals who keep the nation’s health system running.
Describing the situation as a deliberate act of injustice, the unions said the refusal to implement the report reflects institutional disregard for labour unions. They recalled that adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were implemented promptly, unlike CONHESS.
According to the unions, this selective approach exposes the government’s insincerity and discrimination against certain categories of health workers. They added that several meetings, letters, and interventions with the Ministry of Health have yielded no results.
Warning of further action, the unions said they could no longer remain patient after years of delay.
“Should the government fail to implement the CONHESS report within the stipulated period, organised labour will mobilise all Nigerian workers for coordinated industrial action,” they said.
They added that the planned action could include mass protests, picketing of health institutions, and the withdrawal of services nationwide. The unions placed all affiliates, including state councils and the Federal Capital Territory, on red alert for mobilisation.
They urged the Federal Government to act swiftly by implementing the report within the ultimatum period to avert what they described as an unnecessary and avoidable industrial crisis.
