The Digest:
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over the failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for non-doctor health workers. The unions accused the government of deliberately refusing to act on a 2021 technical committee report aimed at resolving salary distortions, while similar adjustments for medical doctors under CONMESS were implemented. The ultimatum, effective from January 23, 2026, warns of a nationwide strike, mass protests, and picketing if the demand is not met.
Key Points:
- The ultimatum escalates an ongoing industrial crisis that has already crippled public health services for over two months.
- It highlights systemic wage inequality within the health sector, fueling discontent among non-doctor professionals.
- A nationwide strike would paralyze both public and private sectors, exacerbating economic and social disruption.
- The government’s perceived selective implementation of salary reviews undermines trust and industrial harmony.
- Failure to resolve the issue risks deepening the healthcare crisis, with patients bearing the brunt of reduced access to services.
Sources: Premium Times
