Health workers in Abia State have issued a stern warning to the state government, threatening to withdraw their services within 15 days if their demands for the implementation of a revised salary structure are not met. The Coalition of Abia Health Unions (CAHU), which includes key health worker associations such as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), has expressed frustration over the government’s failure to act on their salary review request.
The unions are demanding that the Abia State government immediately implement the reviewed salary structure under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was last updated in July 2024. This demand follows months of unresolved concerns and previous ultimatums that the government has not responded to.
In a letter addressed to Governor Alex Otti, the coalition highlighted the state government’s failure to meet the financial obligations owed to health workers. Despite submitting a financial breakdown of the reviewed salary structure for both state and local government health workers, the government has remained silent on implementing the new structure. This has led to growing frustration among health workers, who say that the delay is causing unnecessary hardship.
“This undue delay has thrown our members into a state of financial hardship, which is not just unacceptable but undermines the well-being and motivation of health workers who are essential to the delivery of quality healthcare services in Abia State,” the unions said in the letter.
The unions had previously issued a 21-day ultimatum, which expired on March 26, 2025. However, despite this clear deadline, no action was taken by the state government, prompting the health workers to intensify their stance. They are now invoking Section 41 of the Trade Dispute Act Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, to issue a formal 15-day notice, warning the state government that they will withdraw their services if their demands are not addressed.
For many health workers, the financial strain caused by the delay in salary payments has taken a serious toll on their personal and professional lives. The long delay in the payment of a revised salary structure is being seen as a disregard for the well-being of those who are at the frontline of healthcare delivery, particularly during times of economic challenges.
The delay is even more concerning as many health workers in Abia State are already grappling with the rising cost of living and inflation. These challenges have made it difficult for many workers to meet their daily needs, with some even struggling to provide for their families. In addition to these financial difficulties, the lack of government action has also led to decreased morale among health workers.
“How can we, as health workers, continue to work effectively when we are not compensated fairly for the services we provide? We cannot afford to continue working under these conditions,” said one union leader, who requested to remain anonymous.
The coalition is already mobilizing its members in anticipation of a potential strike. The health unions have begun sensitizing their members across the state, urging them to prepare for an industrial action that could disrupt healthcare services. The unions are also working to increase awareness among the general public about the reasons behind their planned strike and the importance of meeting their demands.
“We do not want to go on strike, but the government has left us with no other choice,” said one of the union representatives. “We are only asking for what is rightfully ours, and we expect the government to act responsibly and address our demands.”
The threat of a strike comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the state is already grappling with a shortage of medical professionals and a strain on its healthcare system. A withdrawal of services by health workers would exacerbate an already difficult situation, leaving vulnerable citizens without access to the care they need.
In addition to the failure to implement the reviewed salary structure, the unions have also criticized the Abia State government for its lack of engagement with them. According to the health unions, no government official has formally met with the coalition to discuss their concerns, further deepening their frustration.
“It is also worthy to note that no government official has formally engaged this coalition in addressing our concerns,” the unions said in their letter to Governor Otti. “We have been ignored, and it seems that our voices are not being heard. This is unacceptable, and we demand to be treated with the respect we deserve.”
The unions are calling on Governor Otti and his administration to take immediate action, not only to implement the salary review but also to engage in meaningful dialogue with health workers. Without such engagement, the unions have made it clear that they will proceed with their plans for industrial action.
The timing of the health workers’ ultimatum and their threat to strike comes at a time of heightened political activity in Abia State. Governor Alex Otti, who took office in 2023, has made healthcare a priority in his administration. However, the failure to meet the demands of the health workers has raised questions about his commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals in the state.
The health workers’ demands for a salary review are not unique to Abia State. Across Nigeria, healthcare workers have long been advocating for better pay and working conditions, particularly in the face of growing challenges such as inflation and a shortage of medical supplies. The ongoing struggle for better remuneration has become a central issue for many health professionals in the country, and Abia’s health workers are now taking a stand to demand what they believe is their due.
As the deadline for the 15-day ultimatum approaches, many are watching closely to see how Governor Otti will respond. If the government fails to address the health workers’ concerns, the consequences could be severe, with healthcare services in the state grinding to a halt.
