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Just in: Lagos Health Workers Begin Strike
The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State has commenced a three-day warning strike over the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the unions include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, and the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.
Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, in an interview with NAN on Wednesday, insisted that the strike would hold following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.
Odumosu disclosed that a meeting of the union leaders with officials of the state government on Dec. 9 also ended in an impasse.
“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment.
“We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No’, insisting on proceeding with the strike,” he said.
He complained that the matter had lingered for long, in spite of numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.
“However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.
“Engagement on December 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.
“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos state does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment.
“This is especially disheartening as adjustments have already been implemented for doctors since October 2024.
“This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.
Odumosu regretted that the government appeared ‘indifferent’ to addressing their legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles played by members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos residents.
“The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from December 11 to December 13.
“It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos state,” he said.
Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary, NUAHP, decried the delayed implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment, especially after the government approved a 35 per cent CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October 2024.
NAN reports that the strike will affect all state-owned health facilities – Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as the “worst, most corrupt, and most intolerant” federal government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Speaking to journalists in Katsina on Monday night, el-Rufai accused the government of widespread dishonesty and failure to address the country’s worsening insecurity.
“This is the worst federal government in Nigerian history, and all the indices have shown it,” he said.
He charged the Tinubu administration with spreading propaganda, particularly on the security situation in the country.
“They lied that security has improved in Nigeria. They read out numbers of bandits killed except the ones we know are the leading bandits… Dogo Gide is still around, Mallam Abba… Bello Turji is still around,” he claimed.
Issues of insecurity in northern Nigeria
El-Rufai questioned how many local government areas remain under bandit control in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Sokoto, accusing the federal government of ignoring the root causes of insecurity.
He also hinted at a political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, predicting that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) would unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai was in Katsina to offer condolences to Governor Dikko Radda over his mother’s passing.
Days earlier, he had joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political figures on a unity visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.
He later described the visit as a symbol of “unity and brotherhood.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Arsenal on Wednesday hammered Real Madrid and finally hit the semis on 5-1 aggregate.
Bukayo Saka after losing a penalty in the the first half at the 13th minute but made up at the 65th minute.
Vinicius Jnr equalised within two minutes as Gabriel Martinelli nailed it for Arsemal at extra time.
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