The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government, potentially ending a prolonged disruption to Nigeria’s public health services.
The suspension followed an emergency meeting of JOHESU’s expanded National Executive Council (NEC) to review outcomes from a February 5conciliation meeting mediated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. In a communiqué signed by National Chairman Kabiru Ado-Minjibir and Secretary Martin Egbanubi, the union announced the immediate resumption of duties by all members in federal and state health institutions.
Key agreements include the commencement of negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the immediate prioritisation of the long-disputed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The Federal Government committed to including budgetary allocation for this salary adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act, based on an existing technical committee’s template. Furthermore, the government agreed to withdraw the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued during the strike and to immediately pay the January 2026 salaries of all JOHESU members. The union was also assured that no member would face victimisation, sanction, or intimidation for participating in the industrial action.
The strike, which began on November 15, 2025, was sparked by the government’s failure to implement the CONHESS adjustment and address other welfare issues. JOHESU highlighted the severe consequences of the prolonged industrial action, noting a reported increase in maternal and infant mortality due to disrupted healthcare delivery. The Federal Government also reportedly incurred significant financial losses, estimated at nearly one trillion naira in foregone revenue.
The February 5 meeting was convened by the Ministry of Labour after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government. It was attended by the Ministers of Labour, Finance, and Health, alongside representatives from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
JOHESU commended the interventions of the National Assembly leadership, traditional rulers, and professional bodies in brokering the resolution. The union urged both federal and state governments to fully implement the agreements to prevent future industrial actions, stressing that the resolution of the CONHESS issue is critical for stabilising the health workforce.
The suspension brings immediate relief to Nigeria’s stressed public health system, though successful implementation of the 2026 salary provisions and the CBA negotiations will be the definitive test of this truce.
