The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health.
The unions stated that the ultimatum was issued over the delayed implementation of the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was submitted in 2021.
On Saturday in Abuja, the TUC Secretary General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, and the NLC Acting General Secretary, Mr. Benson Upah, signed a joint statement.
Although the board’s charter was originally intended to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, it does not appear to confine its responsibility to the Palestinian territory and appears to seek to compete with the United Nations.
The unions demand quick execution of the Technical Committee’s report on the CONHESS adjustment, which was submitted in 2021.
They stated that the report, chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, examined compensation disparities in the health industry.
“Health workers have waited long enough for over five years. The Ministry must act without further delay.
“Failure to implement the CONHESS report is a direct affront to organized labor and the hard-working health professionals who sustain the nation,” they said.
The unions denounced the ongoing delay as an intentional act of injustice against healthcare workers.
They claimed that non-implementation demonstrates poor faith and institutional disdain for organized labor.
The unions noted that similar revisions to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were made without delay.
According to them, the selective implementation of compensation adjustments reveals the government’s insincerity and discrimination.
The unions cited multiple discussions and interventions that received no reaction from the Ministry of Health.
They warned that failure to act within 14 days would result in countrywide industrial action.
“We have exercised restraint for years, but our patience has run out. The Ministry must act now.
“Should the government fail to implement the CONHESS report within the stipulated period, organized labor will mobilize all Nigerian workers for coordinated industrial action,” the unions said.
They also stated that industrial action might involve huge protests, picketing of health institutions, and the cessation of services across the country.
The unions stated that the work of health workers is vital to the nation and cannot be neglected.
They also stated that bureaucratic excuses and promises without action would no longer be allowed.
“TUC and NLC therefore place all affiliates, including state councils and the FCT, on red alert for mobilization.”
They urged the administration to prevent unnecessary industrial action by complying with the ultimatum time.
