FG Sets Framework to Resolve Dispute with JOHESU, Assures Review of CONHESS
The Federal Government has announced that it has reached a tentative framework to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), while reaffirming its commitment to reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
This follows concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) over the protracted strike by JOHESU, which began on 14 November 2025, after the union issued an ultimatum demanding adjustments to CONHESS similar to those implemented under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
In a joint statement, the labour centres had accused the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare of deliberately refusing to implement the report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment submitted in 2021, describing the delay as institutional disrespect to health workers. They subsequently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
However, the Ministry has dismissed the allegations, stating that there is no truth to claims of deliberate refusal to implement the report or discrimination against any category of health workers. According to the Ministry, the Federal Government remains committed to sustaining industrial harmony within the health sector.
The Ministry disclosed that since the commencement of the strike, several conciliatory meetings have been held with JOHESU at both the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, despite the union’s decision to approach the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
A major breakthrough, the Ministry said, occurred at a high-level meeting convened on 15 January 2026, where both parties reached a tentative understanding on a framework for resolving the dispute.
During the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals including the immediate implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body (HLB) chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which recommended adjustments to CONHESS. The union also demanded the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular, insisting it should not apply to its members.
In response, the Ministry appealed for the maintenance of the status quo pending the conclusion of an ongoing job evaluation exercise being conducted by the NSIWC. The exercise, which commenced in November 2025, is expected to last six months and is aimed at determining appropriate placement for all health professionals. The Ministry said the outcome would guide discussions on salary adjustments and the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
On the “No Work, No Pay” policy, the Ministry stated that should JOHESU call off the strike in good faith, the issue would be addressed administratively.
To further demonstrate its commitment to dialogue, the Ministry expressed willingness to continue engaging with the NLC and TUC and confirmed that additional meetings were held on 20 and 22 January 2026 to conclude outstanding issues from the January 15 meeting, with the aim of securing an end to the strike.
The Ministry noted that when these sustained engagements are viewed against the backdrop of the labour ultimatum, there is a clear mismatch, stressing that the Federal Government remains resolute in its pursuit of sustainable industrial peace in the health sector.
It also acknowledged that the demand for CONHESS adjustment has persisted for over a decade, with previous administrations unable to resolve it. The current Federal Government, the Ministry said, is determined to find a lasting solution that ensures uninterrupted healthcare delivery, promotes equity across professional cadres, and strengthens long-term industrial harmony.
The Ministry therefore urged JOHESU to call off the strike in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public, while commending health professionals who have continued to work during the industrial action, assuring Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to keep federal hospitals operational.
