The union is demanding payment of 19 months’ arrears of reviewed professional allowances and the implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), warning that continued delays could lead to renewed industrial action across the health sector.

The directive was contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s National Executive Council meeting held from October 21 to 22, 2026, at Dannic Hotels, New Haven, Enugu State. The document was signed by NUAHP National President, Kamal Ibrahim, and General Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.

According to the union, the mobilisation follows the expiration of a two-week strike ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, with the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, on October 23.

NUAHP said the dispute centres on delays in fulfilling commitments made by the Federal Government to the Joint Health Sector Unions under a terms of settlement signed on February 5, 2026.

The union expressed dissatisfaction that the CONHESS adjustment remained unresolved despite an 84-day strike previously undertaken by JOHESU members. It urged the government to honour the agreement and take concrete steps to prevent another nationwide shutdown of health services.

The union also acknowledged the interventions of the NLC and TUC in pressing for the implementation of the salary adjustment and the conclusion of collective bargaining negotiations.

Beyond the salary dispute, NUAHP raised concerns over the non-payment of arrears arising from the review of professional allowances. It said the Federal Government issued a circular on revised allowances on November 19, 2025, but eligible health workers were still awaiting 19 months of outstanding payments.

The union called for the immediate settlement of the arrears, insisting that the government should fulfil its financial obligations to affected professionals.

It also complained that some allied health workers were being excluded from call-duty allowances despite performing essential duties outside regular working hours. The affected categories identified in the communiqué include health information management professionals, medical social workers, speech therapists and audiologists.

NUAHP urged relevant government agencies and healthcare institution managers to comply with applicable circulars issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to ensure that eligible workers receive their entitlements.

The union further alleged that some qualified health professionals on CONHESS 14 had been unable to progress to CONHESS 15 despite meeting the requirements for promotion. It called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure that eligible workers were promoted in line with existing guidelines, regardless of their professional cadres.

On proposed legislative changes, the union asked the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Amendment Bills 2026 until the concerns of allied health professionals and other relevant stakeholders had been adequately addressed.

NUAHP argued that legislation affecting the health sector should take account of the contributions of allied health professionals and the potential consequences for public healthcare delivery.

The communiqué also raised concerns about reported assaults on healthcare workers, including physical attacks, verbal abuse, intimidation and harassment while carrying out their duties.

The union called for stronger enforcement of existing anti-assault guidelines and improved security in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to protect medical personnel and support the delivery of essential services.

On public health preparedness, NUAHP expressed concern about Nigeria’s readiness to respond to the threat of Ebola, urging the government to strengthen surveillance, prevention and emergency response measures.

The union also called on President Bola Tinubu to reconstitute the boards and governing councils of federal health institutions and regulatory agencies. It argued that prolonged delays in appointing these bodies could affect oversight, administration and the regulation of healthcare services.

Addressing the wider economic situation, NUAHP urged the government to revive public refineries, encourage private investment and introduce measures such as hardship allowances, transport subsidies and tax relief to ease the pressure of rising living costs on workers.

The council also commended security operatives for reported rescue operations involving 20 National Youth Service Corps members around the Anambra-Imo axis, while calling for sustained efforts to tackle criminality and improve public safety.

Although the union has ordered members to begin mobilisation, the communiqué does not specify a new date for the commencement of the proposed strike. The possibility of renewed industrial action will depend on developments in the dispute and the response of the relevant authorities.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia