The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals has directed its members to begin mobilisation for a nationwide strike over the Federal Government's failure to implement agreed salary adjustments and settle outstanding entitlements. The union is demanding immediate payment of 19 months of arrears in reviewed professional allowances and the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure adjustment. The directive was issued following the union's National Executive Council meeting held in Enugu State from October 21 to 22, 2026, with the communiqué signed by National President Kamal Ibrahim and General Secretary Martin Egbanubi.
The planned strike follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, with the support of the Trade Union Congress, on October 23. The mobilisation comes after prolonged delays in implementing the Federal Government's commitments under a settlement agreement signed on February 5, 2026, with the Joint Health Sector Unions. The union noted that members previously embarked on an 84-day strike related to these issues before the government committed to addressing the problems that led to suspension of that action.
The Federal Government issued a circular on reviewed professional allowances for health workers on November 19, 2025, but the accrued 19 months of arrears remain unpaid, the union said. Beyond wage arrears, NUAHP raised concerns that some professionals remain excluded from call-duty allowances despite performing essential services outside regular working hours. Those affected include health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists, according to the communiqué.
The union also highlighted concerns over eligible health professionals remaining stagnant at CONHESS 14 despite meeting requirements for promotion to CONHESS 15. It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to direct chief executives of healthcare institutions to comply with relevant guidelines and ensure eligible workers were promoted. Additionally, NUAHP urged the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026, arguing that the bills had implications for allied health professionals.
The union expressed concern over reported increases in assaults on health workers across the country, despite anti-assault guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. It called for effective enforcement of existing guidelines and improved security in medical facilities. On the broader economic situation, NUAHP called on the Federal Government to introduce hardship allowances, transport subsidies and tax waivers to cushion the impact of rising living costs on workers.
For salaried health workers and their families, continued delays in implementing these agreements mean ongoing income gaps and financial hardship, while the threat of strike action could affect patient care across healthcare facilities.