Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions have vowed to sustain their nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of dragging its feet on implementing a new Consolidated Health Salary Structure agreed since 2022. The unions argue that most of their welfare demands hinge on this single pay review.
The industrial action has already forced public hospitals to scale down services, with many patients turned back or pushed to more expensive private facilities. Union leaders say they have shown patience but can no longer work under conditions they deem unfair and demotivating.
Health-policy commentators warn that prolonged disruption will further erode trust in public hospitals and may worsen health outcomes, especially for poor Nigerians who rely solely on government facilities. They urge both sides to compromise quickly, noting that previous health-sector strikes have often ended with partial, delayed implementation of agreements.
Source: Punch – “Health workers vow to continue strike”.