JOHESU Suspends 84-Day Strike After Agreement With Federal Government
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced the suspension of the 84-day nationwide industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) following a successful conciliation meeting with the Federal Government.
As part of the resolution, JOHESU has directed all its members across the country to resume work immediately in the interest of patient care, health system stability, and national public health security.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the outcome reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness, and the protection of the health workforce.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. This resolution shows that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective means of resolving industrial disputes in the health sector,” he said.
The Federal Government also announced the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued during the strike period and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for all JOHESU members.
Dr. Salako acknowledged the sacrifices of health workers and assured union members that no individual would be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action.
“We recognise the sacrifices made by our health workers and the critical role they play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians. Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries,” he stated.
The Minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions to promote industrial harmony and improve healthcare delivery.
He disclosed that negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) would continue, while outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) would be prioritised.
In addition, the Federal Government has committed to making provisions for the proposed salary adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act, guided by the existing technical committee framework.
“The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 budget underscores our determination to provide sustainable solutions for the health workforce through concrete policy and budgetary actions,” the minister said.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commended the cooperation and sense of responsibility demonstrated by all parties during the engagement process and reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted, accessible, and quality healthcare services nationwide.
