NUAHP: Strike Threat Over CONHESS Arrears and Unpaid Allowances

• The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has directed its members to prepare for a nationwide strike.
• The strike threat is due to the Federal Government's failure to implement salary adjustments and pay 19 months of professional allowance arrears.
• NUAHP demands the immediate payment of outstanding allowances and full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, as per a February 5, 2026 agreement.
• The union also highlighted the exclusion of some professionals from call-duty allowances and the stagnation of others on CONHESS 14.
• The action follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

Lawyers advising healthcare institutions or the Federal Government should meticulously review the 'Terms of Settlement signed on February 5, 2026,' alongside relevant circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has instructed its members across the country to commence preparations for a nationwide strike. This directive stems from the Federal Government's perceived failure to uphold commitments regarding salary adjustments and the settlement of outstanding entitlements for health workers. The union specifically demands the immediate payment of 19 months' worth of arrears for reviewed professional allowances and the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, cautioning that continued delays could precipitate another round of significant industrial action within the nation's health sector.

This mobilization follows a communiqué issued at the conclusion of NUAHP's statutory National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which took place from October 21 to 22, 2026, at Dannic Hotels in New Haven, Enugu State. The document, signed by National President Kamal Ibrahim and General Secretary Martin Egbanubi, indicates that the planned strike action is a response to the expiration of a two-week ultimatum previously issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with the backing of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on October 23. The union highlighted prolonged delays in the Federal Government fulfilling its obligations to the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), as outlined in the 'Terms of Settlement signed on February 5, 2026'.

NUAHP expressed profound dissatisfaction that the CONHESS adjustment remains outstanding, particularly given that an 84-day strike had previously been undertaken by JOHESU members over these very issues. The government had, at that time, committed to addressing the concerns that led to the suspension of the earlier industrial action. The NEC's communiqué explicitly urged the Federal Government to promptly honor its commitments to JOHESU in accordance with the February 5, 2026 Terms of Settlement, emphasizing the need for concrete steps to avert the resumption of the suspended nationwide strike.

The union also raised concerns about the persistent delay in disbursing arrears resulting from the review of professional allowances. Despite the Federal Government issuing a circular on November 19, 2025, detailing reviewed professional allowances for health workers, the accumulated 19 months of arrears have yet to be paid. NUAHP insists on the immediate settlement of these outstanding payments, stressing that the government must fulfill its financial obligations to all eligible health workers. Furthermore, the union lamented that certain professionals, including health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists, and audiologists, are still being excluded from call-duty allowances, despite their provision of essential services outside standard working hours. The union called upon relevant government agencies and the leadership of healthcare institutions to adhere to existing circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to ensure all eligible professionals receive their due entitlements. An additional concern highlighted was the alleged stagnation of qualified health professionals at CONHESS 14, even after meeting the criteria for promotion to CONHESS 15, prompting a call for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to direct chief executives of healthcare institutions to ensure promotions irrespective of professional cadres.

The potential for a widespread NUAHP strike over CONHESS arrears and other unpaid allowances poses a significant threat to the stability and functionality of Nigeria's health sector. Such an industrial action would inevitably disrupt healthcare services nationwide, impacting patient care and further straining an already challenged system. The union's firm stance underscores a deep-seated frustration with the Federal Government's repeated failures to implement agreed-upon terms and settle financial obligations, despite previous interventions by bodies like the NLC and TUC concerning the CONHESS adjustment and collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

Lawyers advising healthcare institutions or the Federal Government should meticulously review the 'Terms of Settlement signed on February 5, 2026,' alongside relevant circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. This review is crucial for assessing compliance risks and potential liabilities that could arise from the threatened nationwide strike by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals over unpaid allowances and CONHESS adjustments. Compliance officers in affected organizations must proactively prepare for potential operational disruptions and ensure strict adherence to labor laws governing industrial action, as the consequences of non-compliance or service interruption could be severe.

Lawyers advising healthcare institutions or the Federal Government should review the 'Terms of Settlement signed on February 5, 2026' and relevant circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to assess compliance risks and potential liabilities arising from the threatened nationwide strike by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals over unpaid allowances and CONHESS adjustments. Compliance officers in affected organizations must prepare for potential operational disruptions and ensure adherence to labor laws regarding industrial action.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH