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Tag: JOHESU

JOHESU suspends nationwide strike, directs members to resume work
- …to monitor implementation of terms of settlement with FG
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike action to allow for the implementation of the FG-JOHESU terms of settlements.

The union took the decision to suspend the strike which entered the 84 day during an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) emergency hybrid meeting.

The union commenced an indefinite strike on November 14, 2025,over the non implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) by the Federal Government.

“After exhaustive deliberations and review of the terms of settlement of the conciliation meeting, the expanded NEC -in-Session voted unanimously to suspend the on-going indefinite nationwidestrike action to allow for the implementation of the FG-JOHESU Terms of Settlements,” JOHESU said in a communique signed by its National Chairman, Kabiru Ado Minjibir and Comrade Martin Adekunle Egbanubi, National Secretary on Friday in Abuja.

During the meeting with the government representatives, it was agreed that the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation, shall be structured to appraise all identified defects, gabs and implementation failures especially between 2009 and 2026.

Other settlements reached at the meeting included, “Outstanding issues connected to the implementation of the adjustment of CONHESS shall kick start the CBA under the exclusive auspices of JOHESU members without any delay.

“Budgetary allocation to take care of the implementation of the adjustment of CONHESS must form a cardinal part and projection of the 2026 Appropriation Act based on the existing template provided by the Technical Committee report of the High level body of the Federal government set-up by the FMoH in 2021.

“Immediate withdrawal of the “NO WORK, NO PAY” directive issued in relation to the JOHESU Strike. Sequel to the above the January 2026 salaries of JOHESU members must be paid immediately.

“No member of JOHESU/AHPA that participated in this current strike shall be victimized, sanctioned or intimidated on the basis of their involvement in the strike.

“Fundamentally and strategically, we put on very good record that failure to fully actualize these terms of settlement leaves the TUC and NLC with no other choice than to apply all lawful industrial relations methodologies to sort all outstanding issues of JOHESU members with the Federal Government.”

The union commended Nigerians including: Sen. Godwill Akpabio, President of the Senate; Tajudeen Abass, Speaker, House of Representatives; Chairman Senate Committee on health Sen. Ipalibo Banigo; Chairman House Committee on Health Institutions, Amos Magagi; the Chairman and members of the Committee of CMDs/MDs; the leadership of various professional bodies and notable traditional rulers around the country; most especially His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, Ojaja 2 for their intervention during the crisis.

JOHESU also commended the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) for their intervention, support and solidarity throughout the period of the nationwide strike.

“The entire leaders and members of JOHESU across all organs of JOHESU affiliate Unions (MHWUN, NUAHP, SSAUTHRIAI and NASU) for their resilience and commitment to the indefinite nationwide strike action.

“While appreciating the masses for their understanding throughout the period of the industrial action, we appeal to consumers of health that, a recurring infliction of injustice and a huge trust deficit necessitated this unfortunate and avoidable JOHESU nationwide strike and hope that the Federal Government as well as other State Governments show both sensitivity and responsibility in ensuring Nigerians avoid this depth of suffering in foreseeable future,” the communique added.
February 6, 2026
FG appeals to JOHESU to avert strike, clarifies position

The Federal government has urged the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to call off its over two-month-old indefinite strike and allow negotiations to continue in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public.

This is as the government refuted some of the claims by JOHESU, while emphasising that when its sustained engagements with the union are contextualised against the ultimatum issued by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), there is a clear mismatch.

The Nation reports that the two unions warned that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would bear full responsibility for any disruption arising from its failure to act within the ultimatum period.

However, in response to the two unions’ two-week ultimatum, the government, in a statement on Saturday by Alaba Balogun, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustaining industrial harmony in Nigeria’s health sector, while clarifying the issues at stake.

“This is further to JOHESU’s earlier ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, demanding an adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in the same manner as was implemented for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which culminated in the ongoing strike action by JOHESU, which commenced on 14 November 2025.

READ ALSO: Gov Abba Yusuf’s convoluted defection

“In its recent statement, the labour centres alleged that the Ministry deliberately refused to implement the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of CONHESS submitted in 2021.

“They further alleged that the delay amounts to institutional disrespect to health workers and organised labour and consequently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government through the Ministry,” the government said.

Responding to the allegations, the government said it has remained responsive to the concerns of health workers in a manner that ensures uninterrupted healthcare delivery, promotes equity and teamwork across professional cadres, and sustains industrial harmony for the long-term good of the country.

“There is absolutely no truth in the allegations of deliberate refusal to implement the Technical Committee’s report, nor is there any discrimination against any category of health workers,” the government emphasised.

Countering the union’s claims, the Ministry affirmed that “Contrary to these claims, the Federal Government has, since the commencement of the industrial action, held several conciliatory meetings with JOHESU, both at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, aimed at resolving the dispute amicably.

“These meetings are being held despite the action of JOHESU in approaching the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to intervene in the dispute.

“Notably, a high-level conciliatory meeting convened on Thursday 15 January 2026, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, formed part of sustained efforts by the Federal Government to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution.

“The Ministry states unequivocally that it reached a tentative understanding with JOHESU on a framework for resolving the lingering trade dispute, at the meeting held on 15 January 2026”.

For emphasis, the Ministry presented a factual account of the meeting between it and JOHESU, noting, “At the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals which included the implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body (HLB) chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which recommended an adjustment of CONHESS.

“The unions also called for the immediate withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular, insisting that it should not apply to their members, in line with the position earlier canvassed by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), among other demands”.

Consequently, the Ministry said it had appealed to JOHESU to maintain the status quo while the NSIWC concludes its ongoing job evaluation exercise, which is aimed at determining the appropriate placement of all health professionals in line with the Ministry’s commitment to collective bargaining and evidence-based decision-making.

“In reaching the decision of maintaining the status quo pending the completion of the job evaluation, the ministry took into cognizance the conflicting positions of the union/association in the sector based on the MOUs/agreements signed with the federal government in the past.

“The job evaluation exercise, which commenced in November 2025, is expected to last six months and will pave the way for discussions on salary adjustments as well as the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA),” the statement added.

On the issue of “No Work, No Pay”, the Ministry emphasizes that its position is that if JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter would be handled administratively in its entirety.

“To further demonstrate its commitment to industrial harmony, the Ministry affirmed its willingness to accommodate the NLC and TUC in subsequent engagements and raised no objection to their continued participation in the dialogue process.

“Since the meeting of 15 January 2026 the ministry held two other meetings on 20th and 22nd January 2026 to conclude on issues agreed on at the meeting of 15th January 2026 with a view for JOHESU to call off the ongoing strike action.

“Against this backdrop, the Ministry notes that when these sustained engagements are contextualised against the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC, there is a clear mismatch,” it noted.

Calling for the understanding of the health workers, their unions and the public, the government noted, “It is important to state that the demand by JOHESU for CONHESS adjustment has been longstanding for over a decade with previous federal governments unable to resolve it.

“Recognising the critical role of healthcare workers in national development and public welfare, the current Federal Government is determined to resolve the issues in a manner that safeguards uninterrupted healthcare delivery, promotes team spirit and equity across professional cadres, and reinforces industrial harmony for the long-term good of the country”.

Emphasising that it remains resolutely committed to achieving sustainable industrial peace in the health sector, it said, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare assures that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to finding an enduring and sustainable resolution to the dispute in the overall interest of the nation guided by dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect”

While extending its deep appreciation to other health professionals who are still at work, saving lives, the government affirmed, “We will continue all efforts to ensure that Federal Hospitals remain open”.

January 25, 2026
FG appeals to JOHESU to avert strike, clarifies position

The Federal government has urged the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to call off its over two-month-old indefinite strike and allow negotiations to continue in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public.

It also refuted some of the claims by JOHESU, while emphasising that when its sustained engagements with the union are contextualised against the ultimatum by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), there is a clear mismatch.

The Nation reports the two unions warned that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would bear full responsibility for any disruption arising from its failure to act within the ultimatum period.

However, in response to the two unions’ two-week ultimatum, the government, in a statement on Saturday by Alaba Balogun, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustaining industrial harmony in Nigeria’s health sector, while clarifying the issues at stake.

“This is further to JOHESU’s earlier ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, demanding an adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in the same manner as was implemented for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which culminated in the ongoing strike action by JOHESU, which commenced on 14 November 2025.

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“In its recent statement, the labour centres alleged that the Ministry deliberately refused to implement the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of CONHESS submitted in 2021.

“They further alleged that the delay amounts to institutional disrespect to health workers and organised labour and consequently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government through the Ministry,” the government said.

Responding to the allegations, the government said it has remained responsive to the concerns of health workers in a manner that ensures uninterrupted healthcare delivery, promotes equity and teamwork across professional cadres, and sustains industrial harmony for the long-term good of the country.

“There is absolutely no truth in the allegations of deliberate refusal to implement the Technical Committee’s report, nor is there any discrimination against any category of health workers,” the government emphasised.

Countering the union’s claims, the Ministry affirmed that “Contrary to these claims, the Federal Government has, since the commencement of the industrial action, held several conciliatory meetings with JOHESU, both at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, aimed at resolving the dispute amicably.

“These meetings are being held despite the action of JOHESU in approaching the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to intervene in the dispute.

“Notably, a high-level conciliatory meeting convened on Thursday 15 January 2026, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, formed part of sustained efforts by the Federal Government to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution.

“The Ministry states unequivocally that it reached a tentative understanding with JOHESU on a framework for resolving the lingering trade dispute, at the meeting held on 15 January 2026”.

For emphasis, the Ministry presented a factual account of the meeting between it and JOHESU, noting, “At the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals which included the implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body (HLB) chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which recommended an adjustment of CONHESS.

“The unions also called for the immediate withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular, insisting that it should not apply to their members, in line with the position earlier canvassed by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), among other demands”.

Consequently, the Ministry said it had appealed to JOHESU to maintain the status quo while the NSIWC concludes its ongoing job evaluation exercise, which is aimed at determining the appropriate placement of all health professionals in line with the Ministry’s commitment to collective bargaining and evidence-based decision-making.

“In reaching the decision of maintaining the status quo pending the completion of the job evaluation, the ministry took into cognizance the conflicting positions of the union/association in the sector based on the MOUs/agreements signed with the federal government in the past.

“The job evaluation exercise, which commenced in November 2025, is expected to last six months and will pave the way for discussions on salary adjustments as well as the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA),” the statement added.

On the issue of “No Work, No Pay”, the Ministry emphasizes that its position is that if JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter would be handled administratively in its entirety.

“To further demonstrate its commitment to industrial harmony, the Ministry affirmed its willingness to accommodate the NLC and TUC in subsequent engagements and raised no objection to their continued participation in the dialogue process.

“Since the meeting of 15 January 2026 the ministry held two other meetings on 20th and 22nd January 2026 to conclude on issues agreed on at the meeting of 15th January 2026 with a view for JOHESU to call off the ongoing strike action.

“Against this backdrop, the Ministry notes that when these sustained engagements are contextualised against the ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC, there is a clear mismatch,” it noted.

Calling for the understanding of the health workers, their unions and the public, the government noted, “It is important to state that the demand by JOHESU for CONHESS adjustment has been longstanding for over a decade with previous federal governments unable to resolve it.

“Recognising the critical role of healthcare workers in national development and public welfare, the current Federal Government is determined to resolve the issues in a manner that safeguards uninterrupted healthcare delivery, promotes team spirit and equity across professional cadres, and reinforces industrial harmony for the long-term good of the country”.

Emphasising that it remains resolutely committed to achieving sustainable industrial peace in the health sector, it said, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare assures that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to finding an enduring and sustainable resolution to the dispute in the overall interest of the nation guided by dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect”

While extending its deep appreciation to other health professionals who are still at work, saving lives, the government affirmed, “We will continue all efforts to ensure that Federal Hospitals remain open”.

January 24, 2026
JOHESU warns of health sector collapse amid prolonged strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has cautioned that Nigeria’s public health system is on the brink of collapse as the nationwide industrial action reached its 63rd day, and 43rd day in Lagos State, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

The Lagos State Council of JOHESU issued the warning during a press conference, attributing the prolonged strike to unresolved welfare concerns, stagnant salary adjustments, and the continued emigration of health workers.

Vice Chairman of JOHESU in Lagos, Comrade Sode Adegbenro, said the government’s failure to review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for 14 years has further eroded staff morale and accelerated the departure of experienced professionals.

He noted that public hospitals are increasingly short-staffed, leaving the remaining workforce overstretched.

Adegbenro added that the Lagos chapter joined the nationwide strike on its 20th day following lingering state-level issues, including the non-domestication of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre and the absence of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services.

Adegbenro explained that the lack of professional leadership structures in laboratories and poor career progression had contributed to frustration among health workers.

He decried inadequate logistics support, noting that health workers across primary, secondary and tertiary facilities in Lagos State rely on a single functional staff bus to cover rotations and emergency duties.

Read Also: Medical Lab Guild urges LASG to resolve JOHESU strike

The union demanded the extension of retention allowance to all health workers on CONHESS, as well as the correction of anomalies in call duty and after hours allowances affecting pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other cadres.

Despite the strike, Adegbenro said JOHESU members had continued to maintain essential hospital utilities such as oxygen supply, water, electricity and sterilisation services to prevent avoidable loss of lives.

He described the gesture as a sign of restraint and professionalism, adding that it had come at a high personal and financial cost to workers.

The union warned that without urgent government intervention, the health system would continue to lose experienced personnel, deepening the crisis in public hospitals.

Adegbenro urged the Federal and Lagos State governments to address the union’s demands promptly to avert further deterioration of healthcare delivery.

January 14, 2026
Why Lagos JOHESU joined nationwide strike

The Lagos State Chapter of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) said it joined the ongoing nationwide industrial action following what it described as prolonged inaction, unresolved welfare issues, and the failure of authorities to address long-standing demands affecting health workers in the state.

JOHESU Lagos embarked on the strike after the expiration of a two-week notice issued to the Lagos State Government, with full withdrawal of services commencing on December 2. The decision followed extensive consultations among union leaders and members, in line with directives from the national leadership of JOHESU.

He stressed that the industrial action is not targeted at the public but a necessary step to protect the integrity of the health sector and prevent further decline in service delivery caused by poor welfare, professional marginalisation, and loss of skilled personnel.

According to the union, the action became inevitable after repeated engagements with relevant state authorities failed to yield concrete commitments on critical issues affecting healthcare professionals in Lagos. While the strike initially began at the federal level on November 15, Lagos and other states were compelled to align after continued neglect of both national agreements and state-specific demands.

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Secretary of JOHESU in Lagos State Comrade Kabiawu Gbolahan, explained that the strike was driven by the need to correct structural and welfare imbalances within the state health system.

Gbolahan, who doubles as the Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State Branch, listed the core demands of JOHESU Lagos to include the domestication of the Consultant Pharmacy Cadre, creation of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services, correction of anomalies in the payment of call duty allowances, review of retention allowances for other health workers, and provision of staff buses to ease transportation challenges faced by health personnel.

He noted that despite several meetings with state commissioners, Heads of Service, and government negotiation teams, there had been no firm or actionable resolution to these demands, leaving health workers with no alternative than to join the strike.

December 24, 2025
JOHESU declare indefinite nationwide strike
- Says govt has taken workers’ patriotism for granted
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting from yesterday night, accusing the Federal Government of “long delay, inaction and outright disregard” for a twelve-year demand to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The decision was announced yesterday at the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) National Secretariat in Abuja, following what the union described as a unanimous resolution of its Expanded National Executive Council.

JOHESU said that all its affiliate unions: MHWUN, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions in Nigeria (NASU), would withdraw services from all Federal Health Institutions beginning midnight of yesterday.

It directed workers in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to “immediately serve their governments 15-day notice in line with relevant provisions of the labour laws,” and assured state councils of full national support.

In a statement at the end of the meeting signed by National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Minjibri, the unions said it was necessary to “intimate our members in health institutions across the country and members of the public about the declaration of Trade Dispute in the Health Sector” and to highlight outstanding issues between the Federal Government and the unions.

The union said several correspondences had been sent to relevant ministries, departments and agencies since the suspension of its last strike on June 5, 2023, which took what it called “the personal intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Read Also: TUC, JOHESU defend Yaba hospital boss over unpaid doctors’ salaries

JOHESU stated that despite signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government on October 29, 2024, after a seven-day warning strike, “there has been no positive response from the Federal Government on some of these issues despite assurances during subsequent meetings with relevant MDAs.”

The union described the current situation as “worrisome and unacceptable,” stressing that government inaction had left them with no alternative.

The union emphasised that the core of the dispute remains the non-implementation of the High-Level Body (HLB) Committee report on the adjusted CONHESS, which was submitted to the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages in 2022.

According to JOHESU, this demand has remained unresolved since January 2, 2014, when the government implemented a parallel adjustment for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), “in violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that established the two salary structures in the health sector in 2009.”

The statement lamented that “nothing has been done by successive administrations to redress this infraction,” adding that even after President Tinubu received a two-man JOHESU delegation in June 2023 and offered assurances, the demand was still ignored.

The unions said MDAs had repeatedly blamed the delay on the non-reconstitution of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, but asserted that “since the reconstitution of the PCS the matter was not given priority attention until probably the last 48 hours when the Federal Government appears to have made practical moves to ameliorate the unpalatable delays which has pervaded for almost twelve years now.”

While expressing concern for ordinary Nigerians who will be affected, JOHESU said:“This situation is beyond our immediate control because of government inaction.”

The unions insisted that they had consistently prioritised social dialogue and had shown “maturity, selflessness and patriotism even in the face of extreme provocations and government’s long delay,” but now believe that “our maturity and patriotism have been taken for granted.”
November 15, 2025
JOHESU declares indefinite nationwide strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting from midnight on November 14, accusing the federal government of “long delay, inaction and outright disregard” for a twelve-year demand to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The decision was announced on Friday at the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) National Secretariat in Abuja, following what the union described as a unanimous resolution of its Expanded National Executive Council.

JOHESU said that all its affiliate unions: MHWUN, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions in Nigeria (NASU), would withdraw services from all Federal Health Institutions beginning midnight of November 14, 2025.

It directed workers in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to “immediately serve their government’s 15-day notice in line with relevant provisions of the labour laws,” and assured state councils of full national support.

READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

In a statement at the end of the meeting signed by the National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Minjibri, the unions said it was necessary to “intimate our members in health institutions across the country and members of the public about the declaration of Trade Dispute in the Health Sector” and to highlight outstanding issues between the Federal Government and the unions.

The union said several correspondences had been sent to relevant ministries, departments, and agencies since the suspension of its last strike on June 5, 2023, which took what it called “the personal intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

JOHESU stated that despite signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government on October 29, 2024, after a seven-day warning strike, “there has been no positive response from the Federal Government on some of these issues despite assurances during subsequent meetings with relevant MDAs.”

The union described the current situation as “worrisome and unacceptable,” stressing that government inaction had left them with no alternative.

The union emphasised that the core of the dispute remains the non-implementation of the High-Level Body (HLB) Committee report on the adjusted CONHESS, which was submitted to the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages in 2022.

According to JOHESU, this demand has remained unresolved since January 2, 2014, when the government implemented a parallel adjustment for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), “in violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that established the two salary structures in the health sector in 2009.”

The statement lamented that “nothing has been done by successive administrations to redress this infraction,” adding that even after President Tinubu received a two-man JOHESU delegation in June 2023 and offered assurances, the demand was still ignored.

The unions said MDAs had repeatedly blamed the delay on the non-reconstitution of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, but asserted that “since the reconstitution of the PCS, the matter was not given priority attention until probably the last 48 hours when the Federal Government appears to have made practical moves to ameliorate the unpalatable delays which have pervaded for almost twelve years now.”

While expressing concern for ordinary Nigerians who will be affected, JOHESU said, “This situation is beyond our immediate control because of government inaction.”

The unions insisted that they had consistently prioritised social dialogue and had shown “maturity, selflessness and patriotism even in the face of extreme provocations and government’s long delay,” but now believe that “our maturity and patriotism have been taken for granted.”

The statement urged members to fully comply with the directive and warned that it “will not accept victimization of its members by the Government or any employer in the public health institutions across the country on account of this strike action, which is a dispute of right.”

JOHESU assured that all communication channels would remain open throughout the period of the strike.

November 14, 2025
Seek tripartite input on new industrial relations policy, JOHESU tells Fed Govt

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has urged the Federal Government to subject the new National Industrial Relations Policy in Nigeria to further tripartite partners’ scrutiny and inputs when going through legislative processes at the National Assembly.

The union urged the government to look at the holistic industrial relations system and the social partners’ standard rules of engagements and adherence to international best practices.

JOHESU’s position is contained in a statement signed by its National President, Ado Minjibir and National Secretary, Martins Egbanubi in Abuja where it rejected the policy for allegedly criminalising strikes.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris had announced the new policy after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of 31st July, 2025.

The union said that the statement negated the fundamental right of workers to freedom of association and right to strike contained in the International Labour Organisation Convention 87 adopted in 1948 of which Nigeria is a signatory and had since been domesticated.

The statement said: “JOHESU is particularly worried that the Policy is targeted according to the minister on workers and their trade union organisations rather than looking at the holistic industrial relations system and the social partners’ standard rules of engagements and adherence to international best practices.

“It is rather unfortunate that, the organised labour is serially been blackmailed by the ruling class as being responsible for industrial actions, whereas on the contrary: most if not all trade disputes and strikes are caused by the Government and or employers who perennially violate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), Memorandum of Understanding (MoV), court Judgements, etc. . . :

Read Also: TUC, JOHESU absolve Yaba hospital’s boss over doctors’ unpaid salaries

“While JOHESU is not averse to having a robust National Industrial Relations Policy in Nigeria, we however call on the Federal Government to subject the Policy to further tripartite partners’ scrutiny and inputs when going through legislative processes at the National Assembly.”

JOHESU urged the Federal Government to activate and strengthen the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) for effective and sustainable tripartite engagements in ensuring best practices in labour administration and adherence to international labour standards and extant labour laws in Nigeria.

JOHESU comprises of four registered Unions namely, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWU), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutions and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Non Academic Staff Union of Universities, Educational and Associated Institution (NASU) affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) respectively.

August 11, 2025
TUC, JOHESU defend Yaba hospital boss over unpaid doctors’ salaries

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have absolved the Acting Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, of any blame regarding the delayed salaries of newly employed doctors.

This clarification comes in response to allegations from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), who had accused the hospital’s management of failing to pay new doctors for several months.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Comrade Adegoke Monsuru on behalf of the Lagos TUC Chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Ekundayo, the unions emphasized that salary payments are not handled by the hospital but by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The unions explained that the affected doctors were only added to the IPPIS payroll in May 2025, and since then, Dr. Owoeye has taken active steps to ensure they are paid.

Just last week, he reportedly travelled to Abuja to follow up directly with the IPPIS office, and the salaries are expected to be paid by July.

They described the attacks on Dr. Owoeye as unfair, noting that he has shown commitment to staff welfare and hospital development.

The unions also warned against politicizing the matter or misdirecting blame toward the hospital’s leadership.

They called on all stakeholders to support the current management in its efforts to improve healthcare delivery and sustain the progress achieved so far.

They said, “The hospital belongs to all health workers, not just one group. No association should act like it owns the hospital or controls who leads it. We urge the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency to ignore these distractions and continue to support the good work going on at the hospital.”

The unions said all health professionals should work together so patients can get better care and the hospital can remain stable.

Read Also: TUC elects new executives as Ogbonna emerges chairman in Anambra

Earlier in the news, the NMA Lagos chapter had held a press conference where they said that some of the new doctors had worked for up to six months without receiving any salary.

They also said this was similar to what happened in 2024 when some doctors were not paid for four months until NMA stepped in.

The NMA has also been against the reappointment of Dr. Owoeye as acting Medical Director. After he completed a four-year term as the hospital’s main boss, the government reappointed him as acting MD, but the NMA asked that the decision be cancelled immediately.

In reaction, the TUC in Lagos accused the NMA of trying to ruin Dr. Owoeye’s name. The union said the claims made by the NMA about problems at the hospital were not true and were aimed at stopping the progress being made.

At the press briefing, Ekundayo, said the NMA’s statements were “a well-organised attack by people who are afraid of fairness, professionalism, and the positive changes happening under Dr. Owoeye’s leadership.”

July 7, 2025
JOHESU, AHPA reject proposed regulatory agency

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (AHPA) have reaffirmed their opposition to the proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) and are demanding its immediate suspension, warning that its implementation could disrupt industrial harmony in the health sector.

The two bodies expressed concern that the Federal Ministry of Health continues to push the initiative despite previous objections, stating that it violates the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union and the government, as well as the provisions of the National Health Act of 2014.

Also, they raised concerns over the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Federal Ministry of Health, urging the government to withdraw it.

They argued that implementing the SOP without a proper legal review undermines professional responsibilities.

They maintained that the DRF SOP must be reviewed in accordance with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022, which designates registered pharmacists as responsible for drug procurement and management.

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These resolutions were outlined in a communiqué signed by JOHESU’s National Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and the National Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, following their leadership meeting on March 12 and 13, 2025, at the MHWUN National Secretariat in Abuja, where the implementation of the October 29, 2024, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal government was reviewed.

The meeting which coincided with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako’s courtesy visit, was attended by the Presidents and General Secretaries of JOHESU’s affiliate unions, including MHWUN, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutions and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

Also present were the pioneer national chairman of JOHESU and former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Ayuba Wabba and the pioneer chairman of AHPA, G. C. Okara.

Following extensive discussions, the leadership of JOHESU raised concerns over the delayed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

March 23, 2025