Delta Health Workers Threaten Statewide Strike Over Unpaid Allowances
Korede Abdullah 
DELTA, Nigeria – Healthcare services across Delta State may face major disruption as two health sector unions have issued a final strike notice to the state government over the non-payment of 16 months’ peculiar and special allowances.
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) announced that industrial action would commence on September 10 if the outstanding entitlements remain unpaid.
In a Monday joint letter addressed to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the unions said discussions with the government had continued since February without any meaningful resolution.
They explained that although their State Executive Councils had earlier resolved to begin a strike on August 25, they suspended the action after further negotiations, describing the extension as their final concession.
The unions gave the government until 11:59 p.m. on September 9 to settle the arrears, warning that all affected health institutions across the state would be shut from midnight if their demands were ignored.
They also expressed concern over the repeated efforts of union leaders, who they said had travelled extensively across the state in pursuit of an amicable settlement since February.
According to the unions, the Commissioner for Health would be held responsible for any disruption to healthcare services arising from the industrial action.
They further warned that other Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliates could join the strike in solidarity should the dispute remain unresolved.
If implemented, the action is expected to affect government hospitals and public health facilities, disrupting consultations, laboratory services, surgeries and other essential healthcare services.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had not officially responded to the latest strike ultimatum.
About the Author
