Nigerian health workers have warned they may launch a nationwide strike after the Federal Government failed to pay 19 months of arrears and to implement agreed salary adjustments.
The workers say the prolonged delay in receiving their allowances has left many facing financial hardship, and the promised salary revisions have yet to be put into effect. The combination of unpaid arrears and stalled adjustments is the primary catalyst for the threatened industrial action.
If the strike proceeds, it could halt services across hospitals and clinics, jeopardising the delivery of essential health care to the population. Disruption in the health sector would affect both routine and emergency treatment nationwide.
Officials have not publicly detailed a response to the workers’ demands, and the Federal Government has not yet announced a timeline for clearing the outstanding payments or implementing the salary changes.
Health care in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, already contends with limited resources and high demand. A strike by health workers would add further strain to an already challenged system.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>