The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The ultimatum, which started on January 23, demanded that the Federal Government implement the 2021 report of a Technical Committee on adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), warning of a nationwide strike across public and private sectors if ignored.
Speaking in Gusau, NMA National Publicity Secretary Dr. Mannir Bature described the ultimatum as unnecessary, emphasizing that salary structure matters require careful technical assessment and institutional engagement. He urged the NLC and TUC to exercise caution in their public statements to avoid misinformation and industrial tension.
Bature also rejected claims that the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) was upgraded in 2014, describing such statements as “misleading and capable of fuelling industrial tension in the health sector.” He clarified that what occurred in 2014 was merely a correction of long-standing errors in the application of the CONMESS framework, not preferential treatment.
“The claim that this correction is an attempt to portray it as preferential treatment is misleading and risks creating unnecessary tension within the health sector,” Bature said. He stressed that such narratives could create inter-professional discord at a time when collaboration is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s systemic health challenges.
The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, advocating the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process as the lawful platform for addressing remuneration, welfare, and industrial concerns. Bature also called for rationalization of the health workforce to enhance efficiency and maintain professional roles and responsibilities.
He concluded by emphasizing the NMA’s dedication to transparency, inter-professional harmony, and responsible dialogue in the interest of healthcare workers and the Nigerian public.
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