Why Abia Health Workers Are Threatening a Strike - Gov. Otti Faces 15-Day Ultimatum

A major crisis is brewing in Abia State's health sector as the Coalition of Abia Health Unions (CAHU) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, warning that health workers will withdraw their services if their demands for an updated Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) are not met.

The coalition, which includes 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 their frustration over what they describe as the government's deliberate silence on their financial review demands.

According to their letter addressed to Governor Alex Otti, the unions had previously issued a 21-day ultimatum that expired on March 26, 2025, without any response from the state government. Despite submitting a detailed financial breakdown for both state and local government health workers, no action has been taken to implement the salary review.

"This undue delay has thrown our members into severe financial hardship. It is unacceptable and undermines the morale of health workers who are at the forefront of delivering quality healthcare in Abia State,ÔÇØ the unions stated.

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Health Sector Shutdown Looms

The coalition has now invoked Section 41 of the Trade Dispute Act Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, to enforce a 15-day service withdrawal notice. This means that if the government fails to act, Abia's healthcare services could grind to a halt.

In preparation for the looming industrial action, the unions have already begun statewide mobilization of their members.

"No government official has formally engaged this coalition to address our concerns, which further confirms the government's disregard for the welfare of healthcare workers,ÔÇØ the statement added.

The health unions are demanding the immediate commencement of payments 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.