The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the joint ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), describing it as unnecessary and capable of escalating tensions within the health sector.
The NLC and TUC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, effective from 23 January, demanding the implementation of the 2021 report of a Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The labour centres also threatened to mobilise a nationwide strike across both the public and private sectors should the Federal Government fail to meet the demand within the stipulated period.
Speaking at a news briefing in Gusau on Monday, the NMA National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mannir Bature, said the association was particularly concerned about the issuance of public ultimatums on matters that require technical verification, institutional engagement, and careful understanding.
“We urge the TUC and NLC to exercise caution, restraint, and responsibility in their public communications, especially on sensitive salary structure issues, so as not to misinform workers or the general public,” Mr. Bature said.
He also rejected claims attributed to the NLC and TUC that the Federal Government had “upgraded” the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014, describing the assertion as misleading.
“The NMA noted with concern the recent statements and insinuations alleging that there was an ‘upgrade’ of CONMESS in 2014. We describe this claim as misleading and capable of fuelling industrial tension in the health sector,” he said.
According to Mr. Bature, there was no upgrade of CONMESS as claimed, but rather a correction of long-standing errors in the application of the salary structure.
“What occurred was a correction of errors and distortions in the application of the CONMESS framework, which had persisted despite clear approvals and established public service guidelines,” he explained.
He added that portraying the correction as preferential treatment was inaccurate and risked creating unnecessary inter-professional discord at a time when unity was needed to address the systemic challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.
Mr. Bature urged the Federal Government to remain focused on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process, describing it as the appropriate and lawful platform for addressing remuneration, welfare, and other industrial concerns in the sector.
He further emphasised the need for government to rationalise the health workforce in a manner that prioritises efficiency, noting that the sector requires comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and strict adherence to defined professional roles.
The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, transparency, and inter-professional harmony, adding that it would continue to engage responsibly with government and labour institutions in the interest of healthcare workers and the Nigerian public.
