By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has expressed concern over the delay in implementing the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which formed part of the agreement that led to the suspension of the 84-day strike embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The Union also expressed concern over worsening socio-economic conditions in the country.
However, NEC observed that the government was yet to fully fulfil its obligations under the agreement and called for immediate implementation of all outstanding components.
The council also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of negotiations on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in the health sector.
According to the communiqué, prolonged delays in concluding the negotiations could create avoidable tensions within the sector.
NUAHP therefore urged the Federal Government negotiating team to expedite discussions to ensure industrial peace and maintain stability in healthcare institutions across the country.
One of the strongest positions taken by the council was its opposition to ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to amend laws establishing health regulatory councils.
The union argued that some of the proposed amendments seek to place healthcare professions under the regulatory control of medical and dental practitioners, a move it described as detrimental to professional independence and effective healthcare administration.
NEC maintained that healthcare professions such as pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, health information management, occupational therapy, imaging science, dietetics and others are distinct professions with separate regulatory frameworks.
According to the union, imposing a single professional group over the regulation of others could create imbalance within the health sector and negatively affect service delivery.
The council further advised the National Assembly to halt consideration of the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026, citing ongoing court cases relating to aspects of the proposed legislation.
It urged lawmakers to respect existing judicial processes and comply with parliamentary rules, including Senate Standing Order 52(5), which discourages legislative consideration of matters that are the subject of pending litigation.
The union also criticized delays in the implementation of a central internship placement system by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to NEC, the initiative is necessary to address persistent challenges associated with internship training and placement of healthcare professionals nationwide.
The council therefore called for its immediate implementation to ensure a more efficient and equitable internship process.
In its concluding remarks, the NEC demanded urgent government action to address worsening economic hardship, rising energy costs, and insecurity affecting Nigerians.
The union expressed appreciation to its members across the country for their continued support and patience, assuring them that the leadership remains actively engaged with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to secure the implementation of outstanding agreements and improve members’ welfare.
NUAHP said it would continue to pursue dialogue and advocacy to ensure that the concerns of allied health professionals receive the attention they deserve while safeguarding stability within Nigeria’s health sector.