The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the Federal Government to urgently resolve the lingering salary dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions, warning that failure to revive negotiations could trigger another industrial crisis in the health sector.
The NLC made the call in a letter dated August 6, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero.
The letter followed a July 31 communication from the Joint Health Sector Unions, in which the unions expressed frustration over the slow pace of efforts to resolve their demands, particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
The labour congress said it was concerned that agreements, memoranda of understanding and collective bargaining agreements reached with the Federal Government over the years had failed to fully address the grievances of health workers.
The NLC urged the Labour and Employment Ministry to urgently reconvene negotiations with the health sector unions to prevent the dispute from escalating.
The congress warned that continued delays could deepen tensions within the health sector and potentially lead to another round of industrial action, with implications for healthcare delivery across the country.
The development comes amid ongoing concerns over the welfare and remuneration of health workers, as labour unions continue to push for improved working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed terms.