JOHESU ends 84-day strike after FG concessions

By Joan Nwagwu

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended their 84-day nationwide strike following agreements reached with the Federal Government, paving the way for the immediate resumption of services across public health institutions.

The decision was announced in a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s National Chairman, Kabiru Ado-Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, after an emergency expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

According to the communiqué, the meeting reviewed the outcome of a conciliation session with the Federal Government convened on February 5 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The talks focused on resolving long-standing issues that led to the industrial action.

Key resolutions include the commencement of negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the immediate prioritisation of outstanding matters relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The agreement also provides for budgetary allocation for the salary adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act, based on the existing technical committee template.

JOHESU said the Federal Government further agreed to withdraw the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued against its members during the strike.

In addition, the January 2026 salaries of all union members are to be paid immediately, with assurances that no worker will be victimised, sanctioned or intimidated for participating in the industrial action.

“Following a review of the resolutions, the expanded National Executive Council unanimously approved the suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike,” the communiqué stated.

“The NEC subsequently directed all JOHESU members across federal and state health institutions to resume work with immediate effect.”

The strike, which commenced on November 15, 2025, was triggered by the non-implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and other unresolved welfare issues.

The union said the prolonged action significantly disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, contributing to increased maternal and infant mortality.

JOHESU also claimed that the Federal Government lost close to one trillion naira in revenue during the strike period.

The conciliation meeting, it noted, followed a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. Ministers of labour, finance and health, as well as representatives of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, were in attendance.

While welcoming the resolution, the union commended the intervention of the National Assembly leadership, traditional rulers and professional bodies, and urged both federal and state governments to fully implement the agreements to avert future industrial actions.