The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Anambra State Council, has joined workers around the world to mark the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, using the occasion to honour the dedication of health workers and call for improved welfare and equal treatment within the state’s health sector.
The celebration took place at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where members of the union joined other labour groups for the annual May Day event. Their colourful parade, organized march past, and energetic participation attracted commendation from Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who applauded the union for its discipline and strong sense of unity.
Speaking after the event, the State Chairman of MHWUN, Comrade Johnbosco Ementa, praised health workers across Anambra for their commitment to duty despite challenges such as inadequate equipment, difficult working conditions, and delays in welfare benefits.
He described medical and health workers as essential to the state’s healthcare system, noting that their services remain critical in hospitals, primary healthcare centres, ministries, agencies, and tertiary institutions across the state.
The union leader also acknowledged the efforts of the Anambra State Government in improving the health sector through hospital upgrades, recruitment of health personnel, improvements in primary healthcare, and reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
According to him, the improved security situation in many parts of the state has also made it easier for health workers to serve communities, especially in rural areas.
While appreciating the government’s efforts, MHWUN renewed its demand for better welfare packages, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, safer working conditions, and implementation of agreements reached with labour unions.
The union, however, expressed concern over the partial implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in the state.
Comrade Ementa stated that although the state government approved full implementation of CONHESS, some categories of health workers were excluded from benefiting fully from the salary structure.
He explained that the exclusion has created dissatisfaction among affected workers, insisting that all eligible health personnel should benefit equally in line with existing guidelines governing the salary structure.
According to the union, Anambra had previously implemented part of the salary structure for all eligible workers without discrimination, making the current selective implementation a source of concern.
The union called on the state government to urgently address the issue and ensure that all affected members are fully included in the implementation process.
MHWUN also noted that neighbouring South-East states have already extended full CONHESS benefits to all eligible health workers, stressing that Anambra should maintain similar standards.
The union further highlighted the important roles played by its members in patient care, medical support services, records management, sanitation, diagnostics, and healthcare facility maintenance.
During the Workers’ Day celebration, Organized Labour in the state also raised broader concerns affecting workers, including insecurity, poverty, pension issues, manpower shortages, delayed promotions, and poor working conditions in some government offices.
Labour leaders called for urgent government action to improve workers’ welfare, address salary deduction complaints, and provide better working environments for public servants.
MHWUN concluded by urging its members to remain united and committed while assuring them that the union would continue to advocate for their rights, welfare, and professional dignity.
