The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike after 84 days of industrial action that paralysed public health services across the country.
The decision was taken at the end of an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) emergency meeting held in Abuja on Friday, following a conciliation meeting between the union and the Federal Government at the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Thursday.
JOHESU had embarked on the indefinite strike on November 15, 2025, over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside unresolved welfare and systemic challenges facing health workers.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the union said the strike was suspended to allow for the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the government.
“After exhaustive deliberations and review of the terms of settlement of the conciliation meeting, the expanded NEC session voted unanimously to suspend the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike action to allow for the implementation of the FG-JOHESU terms of settlement,” the communiqué read.
The union thanked Nigerians for their patience during the strike, noting that persistent injustice and a trust deficit between workers and government led to the prolonged action, which it described as “avoidable”.
JOHESU disclosed that several meetings were held during the strike, including review sessions on January 15 and 22 with the Ministry of Health, during which both sides exchanged proposals on resolving the dispute.
It added that the breakthrough came during an emergency conciliation meeting on February 5, convened after the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over the implementation of CONHESS adjustments.
According to the union, it was agreed that budgetary provisions for the salary adjustment would form a key component of the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The government also agreed to withdraw the “no work, no pay” directive and ensure immediate payment of JOHESU members’ January 2026 salaries.
The communiqué further stated that no member of the union who participated in the strike would be victimised or sanctioned.
JOHESU is an umbrella body comprising the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAU), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NSSUEAI).
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
