Nigerian health workers are preparing for possible nationwide industrial action following unresolved disputes over salary adjustments and outstanding entitlements. The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has directed its members to begin mobilisation after a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on October 23, 2026. The union warned that continued delays could lead to the resumption of a suspended strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). However, the directive signals preparations for possible action rather than confirmation that a new strike has begun.
The development has raised concerns about the future of public healthcare services, particularly if negotiations fail to resolve the dispute. In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu, the union urged the government to honour its commitments and address the demands that have remained outstanding despite previous industrial action.
Nigerian Health Workers Strike Threat Centres on Salary Disputes
A major issue behind the Nigerian health workers strike threat is the delayed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which applies to public-sector healthcare professionals other than medical doctors and dental surgeons.
NUAHP said the adjustment remains outstanding despite an agreement reached between the government and JOHESU on February 5, 2026. The union expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, especially because JOHESU members had previously embarked on an 84-day strike over related concerns before suspending the action.
According to the union, the government must fulfil the terms of settlement and take concrete steps to prevent another nationwide disruption. It also acknowledged the interventions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which have pressed for the resolution of the outstanding demands.
Beyond the salary adjustment, the union is demanding payment of 19 months of arrears arising from reviewed professional allowances. NUAHP said the Federal Government issued a circular on the revised allowances on November 19, 2025, but the accumulated payments remain outstanding.
The union wants the government to settle the arrears without further delay. It argues that eligible healthcare professionals should receive the benefits attached to their work under existing agreements and official guidelines.
Union Raises Concerns Over Allowances and Promotions
The dispute also involves call-duty allowances for healthcare professionals who provide essential services outside regular working hours. NUAHP raised concerns about the exclusion of some professional groups from these payments, despite their responsibilities within healthcare facilities.
Those mentioned include health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists. The union urged relevant government agencies and hospital administrators to follow existing guidelines and ensure that eligible workers receive their entitlements.
Career progression is another issue contributing to the disagreement. NUAHP alleged that some qualified health professionals remain on grade level CONHESS 14 despite meeting the requirements for promotion to CONHESS 15.
The union called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure that healthcare institutions follow the relevant promotion guidelines. It also stressed that eligible workers should receive fair consideration regardless of their professional specialisation.
These concerns have added to pressure on the government to resolve the dispute before workers decide to resume industrial action. For healthcare professionals, the outcome could affect salaries, career advancement and access to allowances linked to their responsibilities.
Possible Strike Raises Concerns for Patients
The latest Nigerian health workers strike warning comes after the expiration of the two-week ultimatum issued by the NLC, with support from the TUC. The deadline expired on October 23, increasing pressure on the government to address the outstanding demands.
A renewed strike could affect services in public hospitals and other government healthcare facilities if the dispute escalates. Patients who depend on these institutions may experience delays in consultations, investigations and other medical services.
However, the extent of any disruption would depend on the unions’ next decisions and whether the government reaches an agreement with the workers. As of October 24, 2026, reports confirm that NUAHP has ordered mobilisation for possible nationwide industrial action, but they do not establish a new strike commencement date.
The Federal Government now faces renewed calls to implement the outstanding salary adjustment, pay the accumulated allowances and address the promotion concerns raised by the union.
For now, healthcare workers and patients will be watching for further announcements from the union and the relevant government authorities. A resolution could prevent another disruption to public healthcare services, while continued delays may increase the risk of renewed industrial action across Nigeria.
