₦airaland Forum

The Coalition of Abia Health Unions (CAHU) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Abia State Government, warning of an impending withdrawal of services if their demands for the implementation of a reviewed salary structure are not met.

In a letter addressed to Governor Alex Otti and obtained by ABN TV, the coalition, comprising 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), expressed frustration over the government’s failure to act on their financial review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The health workers had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum, which expired on March 26, 2025, without any response from the state government. According to the letter, the coalition stated that despite submitting the financial breakdown of the reviewed salary structure for both state and local government health workers, the government has remained silent on its implementation.

"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,"[/b ]the unions stated.

[b]As a result, the coalition is invoking Section 41 of the Trade Dispute Act Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, to enforce a 15-day notice of service withdrawal if their demands are not addressed. The unions have also directed their members to begin sensitization and mobilization across the state in preparation for potential industrial action.

The coalition further criticized the state government for its lack of engagement, stating, "It is also worthy to note that no government official has formally engaged this coalition in addressing our concerns."

The health unions are demanding the immediate commencement of payment under the reviewed CONHESS salary structure, which was last updated in July 2024.

Be Patient, Abia Govt Appeals To Health Workers Over New Salary Structured

The Abia State Government has called on health workers in the state to exercise patience and allow ongoing consultations to run their course regarding the implementation of a new salary structure.

Speaking during the ongoing 50th South East Zonal Meeting of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) held in Umuahia on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Relations, Sir Godson Agocha, assured the union that the concerns raised would be addressed through constructive engagement, not confrontation.

The appeal followed a statement by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia and National Vice President of MHWUN (South East), Mr. Okoro Ogbonnaya, who alleged that the government’s centralisation of salary payments is being used as a strategy to eliminate the CONHESS structure in favour of the national minimum wage, effectively removing professional allowances that define their cadre.

“Our members are not ordinary staff. They include laboratory scientists, pharmacists, veterinary doctors, nurses, and other highly trained professionals working across ministries, parastatals, and local government areas.

Ogbonnaya further alleged that the government may be acting on misinformation from advisers who do not understand the implications of removing CONHESS, a structure he said has legal backing and has been in use since 2011.

We’ve written several letters and even issued a 21-day ultimatum, which expired two days ago. We’ve refrained from strike action pending the outcome of this meeting, but if nothing is done, we’ll be forced to take a stand,” he stated.

The union also accused the state of attempting to remove scientific officers from their designated professional jurisdictions, warning that such moves compromise both competence and service delivery in the health sector.

However, the state government assured that it “is a government that has prioritised workers’ welfare. Salaries are now paid on or before the 28th of every month, and inherited arrears have been cleared.

“What the union is asking for is not being ignored. There’s a process, and we appeal for continued patience and dialogue,” Agocha said.

He acknowledged the union’s demand for the retention of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), known popularly as “Congress,” but insisted that any adjustments must align with the legal and fiscal realities of the state.

“This administration operates on the principle of social dialogue. We are not discarding their requests. Whatever is implementable within the bounds of law and resources will be given due attention,” he said.

Agocha also commended the zonal meeting as a significant step towards regional integration, describing it as a platform for unity and collaboration among health workers in the South East.

kennyz247:
Ds county is sick, how we are surviving in Nigeria still dey surprise Angels,imagine salaries wey reach person enter market for one day,yet this stupid government no go still pay quickly ..

fullclub:
Every tom dick are now bringing up their head since the people messiah has come.

Lets hear the real gist and response from the government. [/b]If they aren't being paid their monthly salary or they are asking for increase in salary in addition to what they receiving



Well they are being paid their monthly salary in facg they receives their salaries every 28th day of the month. but they are asking for a new salary structure.
[b]They wont tell us that all inherited arrears that runs into billions owed to health workers have been cleared by the governor



https://thewhistler.ng/be-patient-abia-govt-appeals-to-health-workers-over-new-salary-structure/

Metrix147:
Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-health-workers-issue-15-day-ultimatum-over-unpaid-salary-review/

fullclub:
Every tom dick are now bringing up their head since the people messiah has come.

Lets hear the real gist and response from the government. If they aren't being paid their monthly salary or they are asking for increase in salary in addition to what they receiving



Well they are being paid their monthly salary in facg they receives their salaries every 28th day of the month. but they are asking for a new salary structure.
They wont tell us that all inherited arrears that runs into billions owed to health workers have been cleared by the governor



https://thewhistler.ng/be-patient-abia-govt-appeals-to-health-workers-over-new-salary-structure/

GABUJABOY:
THEY ARE NOT COMPLAINING OF NOT BEEN OWED SALARY, INSTEAD THEY SEEK FOR AN UPWARD REVIEW OF THERE SALARY, WHICH IS THERE RIGHT.
LIKEWISE THE STATE GOVERNMENT ASKED THEM TO GIVE THEM TIME.
AS FOR THERE PREVIOUSLY OWED SALARIES, THAT HAVE BEEN CLEARED BY THIS CURRENT GOVERNMENT.
AND THERE SALARIES ARE BEING PAID 28TH OF EVERY MONTH.

laurel03:
Lp State that suppose to be the best govern State in Nigeria because their Presidential Candidate get many working ideas in all area of governance..
By now Abia suppose don turn to Dubai..With the huge allocation from Fg to State the LuuPee Governor still not paying good Salary especially for health sector... PObi, AishaYusuf,Farotimi and other active LP will not talk about it oo. The party that want to end poverty in Nigeria cant turn around just small State in Nigeria.... its well.

You dont observed that the OVERHYPING round ALEX OTTI has greatly reduced??


Seyi Mankinde enjoyed the same in his first 2years on oyo state.


It's normal for a new opposition party governor to be overhyped.

Fashola enjoyed the same in Lagos then
So also Aregbesola in osun in 2010-2012

Nkechi, damp underwear and infections go hand in hand! Don’t cause problems for you and your Odogwu. pic.twitter.com/0qvo0Oaz1M

— Aproko Doctor Global (@aproko_doctor) April 4, 2025