Anambra Health Workers Explain Reasons Behind Suspension of Industrial Action

By Sọlọmọn Mokwugwo

Health professionals and workers employed by the Anambra State government and local government areas, represented by the Anambra State Organized Health Sector Unions (ANSOHSU), have decided to suspend their planned strike, which was set to take effect from Thursday, September 4, 2025.

On August 19, 2025, they issued a third 15-day ultimatum to the state government, which expired at midnight on September 3, 2025.

In their statement titled “Resolutions To Suspend Industrial Action,” the health professionals outlined the reasons for suspending their planned strike while emphasizing their demands. They reiterated their request for the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which has been in effect in other states since 2010.

The statement, signed by key representatives from various health unions, detailed their decision to give the state government another chance after previous ultimatums. They expressed their commitment to advocating for their rights but also made it clear that they would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to fulfill its promises.

The health workers emphasized their dedication to serving the public and providing quality healthcare services, but underscored that equitable compensation and the fulfillment of their demands are crucial for their morale and commitment. They called on Governor Charles Soludo to take immediate action to address their concerns, failing which they would be forced to reconsider their position and potentially take further industrial actions to press for their legitimate rights.

The resolution from the health professionals highlighted a meeting convened by the Honourable Commissioner of Health, which included key officials such as the Commissioners of Health and Information, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), along with executives from the Ministry of Health and leaders from the state Joint Health Sector Unions.

During this meeting, the Commissioner appealed to the representatives of the health workers to reconsider the planned industrial action set to commence after the expiration of the ultimatum. He acknowledged the legitimacy of their concerns and highlighted that he had successfully addressed two of their demands – namely, the skipping of CONHESS 10 and the Enhanced Entry Point for nurses within a short timeframe.

The Commissioner reassured the workers that he would continue to advocate for their demands, specifically the approval of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other outstanding issues, promising to achieve this within four weeks from September 1, 2025. This commitment provided the health professionals with a basis for suspending their planned strike, though it also underscored the conditional nature of their resolution, which depends on the state’s fulfillment of its promises.

The group said that the propositions would have been rejected, but for the appeal of other well meaning Anambrarians in the likes of leaders of the two labour centers – the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

It warned, however, that after the four weeks grace ending on 29th September, 2025, the unions would have no other choice than to reorder their priorities to resume the suspended strike without any further recourse to the state government; saying that the health workers have exhausted all protocols, patience and diligence in the labour relationship with the state government.