The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate payment of seven months’ salary arrears or risk a nationwide strike.
The resolution followed a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NUAHP and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), held on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau State.
In a communiqué made available to journalists, the unions stated that the unpaid arrears relate to the 25% and 35% adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), covering June to December 2023.
The statement, jointly signed by NUAHP National President Mr Kamal Ibrahim and General Secretary Mr Martin Egbanubi, noted that the increases had been captured in both the 2024 and proposed 2025 budgets but remain unimplemented.
“The NEC-in-session was particularly alarmed that the seven-month arrears remain unpaid despite being provided for in the 2024 budget and again in the proposed 2025 budget,” it read.
The unions described the non-payment as “unacceptable” and a breach of item five of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Federal Government on 29 October 2024, and subsequent resolutions reached on 20 December 2024.
They demanded immediate settlement of the arrears to avert industrial action.
Although an earlier nationwide strike was suspended in October 2024 following the MoU, the union leaders said the government has failed to honour its commitments.
“NEC calls on President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his pledge by directing relevant ministries, departments and agencies to address this matter urgently in the public interest,” they said.
NUAHP represents various professionals, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, radiographers, dental technologists, occupational therapists, health information managers, dieticians, and other allied health workers.
The union also called for tax relief on clinical allowances such as call duty and shift duty, citing the impact of inflation on workers’ welfare.
In addition, it urged the introduction of a retention allowance to discourage emigration of health professionals.
The NEC also raised concerns over the rising cost of electricity and the mismatch between tariff bands and actual supply. It called for subsidies for low-income households, hospitals, and educational institutions, and advocated for decentralisation of the power sector to improve efficiency.
It further urged the government to revive the country’s refineries and ensure petroleum products are available and affordable to all Nigerians.
