Nigerian health workers have begun mobilising for a possible nationwide strike over 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears and the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreed salary adjustments.

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) directed its members across the country to prepare for possible industrial action, warning that further delays in meeting outstanding obligations to health workers could lead to the resumption of a suspended nationwide strike.

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The directive was contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s National Executive Council meeting held at Dannic Hotels, New Haven, Enugu State, from October 21 to 22, 2026.

It was signed by the National President, Kamal Ibrahim, and General Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.

NUAHP said its decision followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, supported by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, on October 23.

At the centre of the dispute are the outstanding adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and arrears arising from the review of professional allowances.

The union said the government had yet to fulfil commitments made to the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) under a terms of settlement signed on February 5, 2026.

“The NEC urges the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, honour its obligations to JOHESU in line with the Terms of Settlement signed on 5th February, 2026, and take concrete steps to prevent resumption of the suspended nationwide strike action,” the communiqué stated.

NUAHP said the Federal Government issued a circular on revised professional allowances on November 19, 2025, but that eligible workers were still owed 19 months of accrued arrears.

It called for immediate payment, arguing that workers should receive entitlements already covered by government-approved arrangements.

The union also raised concerns about the exclusion of some allied health professionals from call-duty allowances, despite their work outside regular hours.

Those affected include health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists, according to the communiqué.

NUAHP urged relevant government agencies and healthcare institution leaders to comply with circulars issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and ensure eligible professionals received their benefits.

It further alleged that qualified health workers on CONHESS 14 had been denied progression to CONHESS 15 despite meeting the requirements for promotion.

The union asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to direct healthcare institution heads to follow the relevant guidelines regardless of professional cadre.

Beyond pay and promotion disputes, NUAHP called on the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026.

The union argued that the proposed legislation could affect allied health professionals and the wider healthcare system, insisting that the implications for professional practice and service delivery required further consideration.

However, the communiqué did not specify the provisions of the bills that the union considers contentious.

NUAHP also expressed concern about attacks on healthcare professionals, including physical assaults, verbal abuse, intimidation and harassment while they carry out their duties.

It called for stronger enforcement of existing anti-assault guidelines and improved security in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Its recommendations included deploying adequate security personnel, installing better surveillance systems and strengthening emergency response arrangements.

The union raised concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for the threat of Ebola, urging federal, state and local governments to strengthen surveillance, prevention and emergency response systems.

It called for adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, diagnostic resources, essential medicines and infection prevention and control materials, alongside appropriate training for health workers.

NUAHP also advocated timely public information and sufficient funding for public health institutions, warning that gaps in protective equipment, training and infection control could expose healthcare workers to avoidable risks during emergencies.

The council urged President Bola Tinubu to reconstitute the boards and governing councils of federal health institutions and regulatory agencies, claiming the delay had lasted more than three years.

It said functioning boards were necessary for effective oversight, professional regulation, licensing and the administration of healthcare facilities.

NUAHP also criticised rising petrol prices and the resulting increases in the cost of essential goods and services, saying the pressure had reduced workers’ purchasing power.

To ease the burden, it urged the government to revive public refineries and encourage investment in private refining.

It also proposed hardship allowances, palliatives, transport subsidies and tax waivers for workers.

The council commended security operatives for reported rescue operations involving 20 National Youth Service Corps members around the Anambra-Imo axis and urged authorities to sustain efforts to combat crime.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to operate independently and transparently ahead of the 2027 general elections, while urging political parties, candidates and supporters to uphold democratic principles and avoid actions that could threaten peace.

NUAHP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting members’ welfare, professional interests and safety, urging them to remain united as its leadership pursues engagement and other lawful means of securing their demands.

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The union’s mobilisation signals a renewed risk of industrial action in the health sector, with the timing and scope of any strike dependent on developments in negotiations and the government’s response to the outstanding demands.