Joint Health Sector Unions suspends 84-day strike
JOHESU
BY ADA DIKE
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day strike that crippled healthcare services nationwide. The suspension of the strike starts with effect from 12 midnight today, Friday, February 6, 2026.
The strike was triggered by the government’s failure to address JOHESU’s sole demand is the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), as was done for the Consolidated Medical Salary. Structure (CONMESS) on three occasions.
Some of the agreements reached include: CONHESS adjustment accepted, no work, no pay withdrawn, no victimization of members and payment of January salaries to commence soon.
JOHESU National Media Support Center, in a press release, said the decision followed a tense hybrid Expanded National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting presided over by the Chairman, Alhaji Ado Minjibir, and the National Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanugbi. “After exhaustive briefings on the outcome of the last conciliatory meeting with the government held yesterday, as well as interventions from members, motions were raised both for and against the continuation of the strike.
“With two motions on the floor, the matter was put to a vote. The result was 84 votes against continuation and 13 in support, clearly indicating the direction of the leadership.
“While awaiting the official release from the National Secretary, it is important to note that JOHESU, in collaboration with the NLC and TUC, has signed a “ Term of Settlement ” (not an MoU this time) with the government. This was duly acknowledged by the Honourable Minister of Labour, who served as the Chief Conciliator, alongside his counterparts in Health and Finance, as well as the Chairman of the NSIWC,” JOHESU leadership stated through a release.
It was gathered that key highlights of the Term of Settlement include: Government’s agreement to adjust CONHESS, with priority discussions under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) framework and to prioritize discussion only with JOHESU.
“-To tender for approval of the Conhess adjustment proposal by the presidential committe on salary.
“-A timeline of between now and April was set bearing in mind the 6 months duration of CBA discussion( Nov- April)
“-On the issue of “no work, no pay,” the government has agreed to withdraw the circular and immediately initiate the process for the payment of January salaries once the strike is called off.
“-Assurance that no member will be victimized for participating in the strike, in line with established labour principles.
“JOHESU/AHPA leadership have been well commended by members for their doggedness and resilience during the struggle,” they added.
JOHESU also said that further details would be communicated by the national secretary in a communique.
