Health Workers Prepare for Nationwide Strike Over 19 Months’ Unpaid Allowances

According to Punch, published on October 23, 2026, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has directed its members nationwide to prepare for a possible strike over unpaid professional allowances and outstanding salary adjustments.

The union’s decision comes amid growing pressure on the Federal Government to fulfil its commitments to health workers. NUAHP said the mobilisation followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

One of the major issues is the outstanding adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The union also demanded payment of 19 months’ arrears relating to reviewed professional allowances, insisting that eligible workers should receive their outstanding entitlements.

In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu, held from October 21 to 22, the union urged the government to honour the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.

NUAHP expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in implementing the agreement, recalling that JOHESU members had previously embarked on an 84-day strike before suspending the action following commitments to address their grievances.

The union also complained that some health professionals were excluded from call-duty allowances despite performing essential duties outside regular working hours. The affected categories named in the communiqué included health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists.

Another concern involved qualified professionals who, according to the union, had been denied progression from CONHESS 14 to CONHESS 15 despite meeting the relevant requirements.

Beyond remuneration, NUAHP called for improved security in hospitals following concerns about assaults, intimidation and harassment against healthcare workers. It also urged the authorities to strengthen preparations for public health emergencies, including Ebola, by providing protective equipment, medical supplies and appropriate training.

The union further appealed to the government to address outstanding agreements and approved entitlements affecting its members.

Although NUAHP has directed its members to prepare for possible industrial action, the communiqué, as reported by Punch, did not specify a date for the commencement of another nationwide strike.

The next steps will depend on efforts to resolve the outstanding disputes between the government and the health workers’ unions.