*Warns action’ll take a different dimension after ultimatum
By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Indications have emerged that the ongoing industrial action by workers in Nigeria’s federal health sector under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, may escalate sharply at the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum jointly issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress Nigeria, TUC, should the Federal Government fail to meet the demands of the striking workers.
Findings reveal that the ultimatum—issued over a week ago—was not a mere warning but a final opportunity given to the government to address what labour leaders describe as over 14 years of accumulated neglect, broken agreements, and institutional disregard for health workers.
With the deadline fast approaching and no concrete resolution in sight, organised labour says preparations are underway to take the struggle “to another level.”
14-day ultimatum demands
In the notice served on the Federal Government, the NLC and TUC demanded urgent intervention to avert a total breakdown of public healthcare delivery.
The ultimatum called on the government to, among others implement all outstanding agreements reached with health sector unions over the years, some dating back more than a decade; review and improve salaries, allowances, and welfare packages of health workers to reflect current economic realities and rising inflation.
It also asks government to address the issue of poor working conditions, including acute shortages of medical equipment, consumables, and basic tools required for effective service delivery; settle outstanding arrears and unpaid entitlements, including allowances owed to health workers across federal health institutions.
Equally, government was told to end discriminatory practices within the health sector, particularly policies that undermine morale, career progression, and professional dignity of non-physician health workers; and engage in genuine dialogue with unions in the health sector, rather than issuing directives without consultation.
Labour made it clear that failure to act within the 14-day window would attract “unpleasant consequences,” including the possible expansion and escalation of the ongoing strike.
Tension rising
Vanguard gathered from top officials of the NLC and TUC that the labour centres are dissatisfied with the government’s response so far, which they describe as slow, dismissive, or completely absent.
A senior labour leader, who is familiar with internal discussions, confirmed that contingency plans have already been concluded.
According to him: “Once the 14 days ultimatum expires and the government fails to address the demands of health workers, the strike will escalate. I cannot disclose the full details, but I can assure you that the industrial action will take a totally different dimension.”
Genesis of dispute
The strike is the outcome of years of unresolved grievances in the federal health sector.
Health workers complain of stagnant wages, eroded allowances, poor infrastructure, and government’s failure to honour agreements freely entered into with unions.
Despite repeated engagements, protests, and warnings, labour leaders say successive governments have treated health workers with contempt, responding only when industrial action disrupts services.
According to organised labour, the current strike is not just about wages, but about dignity, survival, and the future of public healthcare in Nigeria.
Labour leaders warn that Nigeria’s public healthcare system is already on the verge of collapse.
Hospitals are understaffed, underfunded, and poorly equipped, leaving workers overstretched and patients vulnerable.
The Labour leader said: “Highly trained professionals are working without basic tools. These are people who save lives daily, yet they are poorly paid, overworked, and constantly disrespected.
“This situation, labour says, has fuelled the alarming migration of Nigerian health workers to foreign countries where their skills are better rewarded and valued. The so-called “brain drain” continues to weaken an already fragile system.
Strike set to escalate
Adding to the frustration, labour leaders accuse those in authority of being disconnected from the crisis because they do not rely on public hospitals.
“Those in power do not care. They take their families and cronies abroad or to high-end private hospitals. The public health system is left to decay, and ordinary Nigerians pay the price,” he said.
With the ultimatum clock ticking, labour insists the ball is firmly in government’s court.
The NLC and TUC maintain that the dispute can still be resolved if government shows sincerity, honours agreements, and prioritises the welfare of health workers.
Another Labour leader said “However, if the deadline expires without action, the consequences will extend beyond the health sector.This struggle is about saving lives and saving a system. If government fails to act, labour will respond decisively.”
As hospitals continue to operate at skeletal levels and patients bear the brunt of the strike, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads—between dialogue and disruption, reform and resistance.
For labour, the message is clear: ignore health workers at your peril.
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