![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health, demanding immediate implementation of the 2021 Technical Committee report on adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers.
In a joint statement signed by TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro and NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah, the unions described the continued delay as “a deliberate act of injustice” against health workers who have served the nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing healthcare challenges.
Background on CONHESS and the 2021 Report
CONHESS is the salary structure for non-medical health professionals in Nigeria’s public sector, including nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, and other allied health workers. Introduced in 2009 to address disparities with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors, CONHESS has been a focal point of wage equity debates.
The Technical Committee report, submitted in 2021, recommended salary adjustments to correct inequities, improve remuneration, reduce brain drain, and enhance motivation amid rising living costs. Despite repeated engagements, the unions say the report has not been implemented, leading to stagnation in pay scales and continued exodus of skilled health workers.
Key Points from the Statement
- The unions accused the Ministry of Health of ignoring multiple interventions and promises over four years.
- They described the delay as marginalisation and failure to honour agreements, exacerbating hardship for health workers.
- The 14-day ultimatum demands immediate implementation of the 2021 report.
- Failure to comply will lead to mobilisation for nationwide industrial action: “TUC and NLC will no longer tolerate empty promises and continued marginalisation of health workers.”
Context of Healthcare Worker Welfare in Nigeria
Nigeria’s health sector faces severe challenges, including underfunding (health budget consistently below 5% of national expenditure), poor working conditions, and massive emigration. The “Japa” phenomenon—health workers relocating abroad—has created critical shortages, with estimates of over 15,000 nurses and midwives leaving annually.
