The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals has called on the Federal Government to urgently tackle worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and unresolved welfare issues affecting healthcare workers across the country.
The union also warned the National Assembly against proceeding with proposed amendments to laws establishing health regulatory councils, arguing that the changes could create tensions and disrupt harmony within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s National Executive Council meeting, which brought together representatives from health institutions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the meeting, NUAHP National President, Kamal Ibrahim, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to protecting the welfare, rights, and professional interests of allied health workers.
A major concern raised by the union was the proposed amendment of laws governing health regulatory councils. According to Ibrahim, the reforms could place medical and dental practitioners in supervisory positions over other healthcare professions, a move the union described as discriminatory and potentially harmful to effective healthcare delivery.
The union insisted that all healthcare professions are distinct and should maintain independent regulatory structures to preserve professional autonomy and efficiency.
NUAHP further urged lawmakers to suspend consideration of the proposed Health Sector Executive Bills 2026, citing ongoing court cases related to aspects of the legislation. The union argued that proceeding with the bills while litigation remains unresolved could undermine confidence in the legislative process and violate parliamentary conventions.
Beyond sector-specific concerns, the union expressed alarm over the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, particularly rising energy costs and their impact on workers and ordinary citizens.
Ibrahim called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate stronger political will in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding energy challenges, including issues surrounding local refining capacity and petroleum production.
“The continued energy crisis has significantly worsened the living conditions of Nigerian workers and negatively impacted the broader economy,” the union noted.
On security, NUAHP lamented the resurgence of criminal activities and attacks in various parts of the country, while acknowledging recent efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism and banditry.
The union also accused the Federal Government of failing to fully implement agreements reached with health workers following the suspension of the 84-day strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions in 2025.
Specifically, NUAHP said key aspects of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure and other welfare commitments remain outstanding.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the union demanded immediate government intervention to improve economic conditions, strengthen security, and fulfil outstanding agreements affecting healthcare professionals.
The leadership, however, assured members that engagements with relevant government agencies were ongoing and urged health workers to remain committed to professional ethics and service delivery.
