JOHESU Suspends 84-Day Nationwide Strike

The leadership of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has called off its nationwide strike after 84 days of industrial action, an action that significantly disrupted healthcare services across the country. The decision followed a decisive vote by the union’s Expanded National Executive Council (E-NEC).

JOHESU began the indefinite strike on 15 November in protest against the Federal Government’s failure to implement the long-awaited adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), along with other unresolved welfare issues. The union had repeatedly pointed out that while the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) had been adjusted three times over the years, CONHESS had not received a single adjustment within the same period.

During an E-NEC meeting chaired by JOHESU Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir and its National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, two motions were presented for voting: one to continue the strike and the other to suspend it. When the votes were counted, 84 members voted in favour of suspending the strike, while 13 supported its continuation.

In line with the majority decision, the leadership resolved to suspend the industrial action, pending the release of an official circular from the National Secretariat.

The decision came after members were fully briefed on the outcome of the latest conciliatory meeting between JOHESU and the Federal Government, which was facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Contributions from delegates across the country highlighted the severe hardship the prolonged strike had caused both health workers and the general public, as well as the importance of securing firm and actionable commitments from the government.

JOHESU, working with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), confirmed that a Term of Settlement instead of a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with the Federal Government. The agreement was formally acknowledged by the Minister of Labour, who acted as Chief Conciliator, alongside representatives from the Ministries of Health and Finance and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

According to the Minjibir, the settlement includes the government’s commitment to begin the process of adjusting CONHESS under the Collective Bargaining Agreement framework, with discussions to be held exclusively with JOHESU. The government also agreed to forward the adjustment proposal to the Presidential Committee on Salaries for approval within an agreed timeline, running from now until April.

On the debate of “no work, no pay” policy, the government reportedly agreed to withdraw the relevant circular and to immediately commence the payment of outstanding January salaries once the strike is officially called off. Assurances were also given that no JOHESU member would face victimisation for participating in the industrial action, in line with labour laws and established principles.