Staff of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu on Tuesday embarked on an indefinite strike over promotion and other staff welfare-related issues, following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued by joint unions in the health sector to the hospital management.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals in Enugu State, Mr. Benneth Asogwa, expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital management, led by Dr. Ngozi Unaogu, for failing to address workers’ welfare, especially regarding staff promotion.
Explaining their grievances, Asogwa revealed that the hospital conducted promotion examinations for eligible staff, announced the successful candidates, but still retained them at the same salary grade levels; “this is what the management described as same scale promotion.”
“What it implies is that somebody on CONHES 12 Step 3, for example, is told he has been promoted, but still remains on the same CONHES 12 Step 3. Workers do not understand how someone can spend years on a level, qualify for promotion, go through rigorous interviews and examinations, and still remain at the same level. So what is the essence of the promotion?” Asogwa reiterates.
The Union Chairman further disclosed that the issue was raised repeatedly with management, but no satisfactory action was taken before the expiration of the joint unions’ ultimatum.
“They are saying it is a directive from the Federal Government, but we know quite well that the same issue came up in some hospitals and was resolved. Even hospitals in Enugu, like the Orthopedic Hospital, addressed it and did the right thing.”
“These people are bringing back an issue that caused industrial disharmony over 10 years ago and imposing it again on workers,” Asogwa said.
“No health professional likes going on strike because we know the implications. Anytime healthcare workers down tools, a lot of issues come up because it concerns human lives,” Asogwa regrets.
“The strike is indefinite and it will continue until the issue is addressed. We are hoping they will address it quickly because it has to do with lives,” he added.
The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, remains the only specialized neuropsychiatric hospital serving the entire South-East region, and the impact of this industrial action, if not addressed, will be detrimental to society.
Workers Unions involved in the action include the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Medical and Health Workers Union, and the Senior Staff Association.
- Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu Workers On Strike - May 21, 2026
- NDC Enugu Unveils Party’s 17 LGA Leaders - May 21, 2026
- Enugu Police Confirms Gruesome Murder Of 3 Persons By Relatives In Igbo Etiti LGA - May 20, 2026