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,” the unions stated.
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.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government has not issued an official response to the ultimatum.