Bolatito Omowale
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government. The strike, which began on November 15, 2025, was triggered by the non-implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment and other outstanding welfare issues.
According to a communiqué signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Ado-Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) unanimously approved the suspension of the strike to allow for the implementation of the agreements reached with the government. The agreements include the commencement of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations and the immediate prioritization of outstanding issues on the adjustment of CONHESS .
The Federal Government has agreed to withdraw the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued against JOHESU members during the strike, and January 2026 salaries will be paid immediately. Additionally, no member will be victimized, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action .
The agreement also provides for budgetary allocation for the salary adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act based on the existing technical committee template. This move is expected to bring relief to Nigeria’s stressed public health system .
The prolonged strike had adversely affected healthcare delivery, resulting in increased maternal and infant mortality across the country. The Federal Government reportedly lost close to one trillion naira in revenue during the strike period.
JOHESU commended the interventions of the National Assembly leadership, traditional rulers, and professional bodies in resolving the dispute. The union urged the federal and state governments to fully implement the agreements to prevent future industrial actions .
The suspension of the strike follows a conciliation meeting convened by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which was attended by ministers of labour, finance, and health, as well as representatives of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
The union’s decision to suspend the strike is seen as a positive step towards resolving the crisis in the health sector. However, the implementation of the agreements will be crucial in determining the success of this truce.
