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  • JOHESU, AHPA reject health regulatory agency, demand immediate suspension

    JOHESU, AHPA reject health regulatory agency, demand immediate suspension

    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), demanding its immediate suspension. They warned that its implementation could disrupt industrial harmony in the health sector.

    JOHESU criticised the Federal Ministry of Health for pushing the initiative despite previous objections, arguing that it violates the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union and the government, as well as the National Health Act of 2014.

    The union also raised concerns over the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) introduced by the ministry, calling for its withdrawal. 

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

    JOHESU emphasized that the DRF SOP must be revised in line with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022, which mandates that only registered pharmacists oversee drug procurement and management.

    These resolutions were outlined in a communique following JOHESU’s 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). 

    They noted that while the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) had been adjusted multiple times between 2017 and 2023, CONHESS has remained unchanged since 2014. 

    JOHESU demanded an equivalent adjustment to correct what it described as years of unfair salary discrepancies.  

    Regarding the implementation of the consultant cadre for pharmacists in Federal health institutions, JOHESU acknowledged the Federal government’s directive to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors (CMDs/MDs) to appoint consultant pharmacists. 

    However, it expressed dissatisfaction with the slow compliance by hospital executives and urged the government to enforce sanctions on non-compliant CMDs/MDs.  

    The union also welcomed the recent approval to increase the retirement age for health workers to 65 years and for consultants to 70 years. 

    However, it rejected any form of discrimination between clinical and non-clinical health workers in the policy’s implementation. 

    JOHESU insisted that the 70-year retirement age should apply to all consultants in the health sector without exceptions.  

    JOHESU called on the federal government to pay the seven-month arrears resulting from the review of CONHESS salaries. 

    Read Also: JOHESU suspends warning strike

    It stressed that with the passage and signing of the 2025 Appropriation Act, the government should immediately release the funds.  

    Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the October 2024 MoU, JOHESU listed its demands, including the reconstitution of boards for Federal health institutions and regulatory agencies, the payment of call duty allowances, the adjustment of all allowances linked to CONHESS salaries, and the elimination of unfair labour practices against healthcare professionals. 

    It also called for continuous consultation between the government and JOHESU on policies affecting the sector.  

    While commending the Minister’s approach to addressing sectoral concerns, the union assured its members of its commitment to pushing for the full implementation of agreements reached with the federal government.

  • JOHESU declares seven-day strike over FG’s failure to address welfare issues

    JOHESU declares seven-day strike over FG’s failure to address welfare issues

    Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike beginning from Friday midnight.

    The union took the decision after the Federal Government allegedly failed to address welfare issues raised by it.

    National President of JOHESU, Kabiru Minjibir spoke to journalists in Abuja on Friday after the union’s national executive council meeting.

    He said there had been no positive response from the government despite repeated assurances during meetings with various ministries and agencies.

    Minjibir explained that the strike could have been avoided if the government had responded to the 15-day notice.

    JOHESU had earlier this month issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government to resolve these welfare issues.

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    The key demands include the immediate implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.

    The union is also asking for an upward review of the retirement age for health workers, tax waivers on allowances for healthcare workers, and the immediate payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances.

    He said: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, members of JOHESU affiliate unions from 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 (SSAUTHRIAI), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) will begin a seven-day strike action from midnight on 25th October 2024 in Federal Health Institutions.

    ”The general public should bear with us all inconveniences the withdrawal of services of health workers under the umbrella of JOHESU might cause during this period.

    “We urge the consumers of health care and well-meaning Nigerians to empathize with us and also give solidarity to this struggle which is aimed at making healthcare delivery effective, accessible, and affordable in the country.”

    “JOHESU has always exhibited maturity, selflessness, and patriotism even in the face of extreme provocations and government’s long delay in meeting our demands and we think that our maturity and patriotism have been taken for granted.

    “JOHESU is committed to using social dialogue to resolve matters affecting the welfare and working conditions of our members.”

    He also warned that no member should be victimised for participating in the strike, which he described as a “dispute of right.”

  • JOHESU declares seven-day strike over welfare issues

    JOHESU declares seven-day strike over welfare issues

    Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike from Friday midnight.

    The union took the decision after the Federal Government allegedly failed to address welfare issues raised by it.

    National President of JOHESU, Kabiru Minjibir spoke to journalists in Abuja on Friday after the union’s national executive council meeting.

    He said there had been no positive response from the government despite repeated assurances during meetings with various ministries and agencies.

    Minjibir explained that the strike could have been avoided if the government had responded to the 15-day notice.

    JOHESU had earlier this month issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government to resolve these welfare issues.

    The key demands include the immediate implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and a 25 per cent review of arrears from June to December 2023.

    The union is also asking for an upward review of the retirement age for health workers, tax waivers on allowances for healthcare workers, and the immediate payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances.

    He said: “In compliance with the Provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, members of JOHESU affiliate unions from 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 (SSAUTHRIAI), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) will begin a seven-day strike action from midnight on 25th October 2024 in Federal Health Institutions.

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    ”The general public should bear with us all inconveniences the withdrawal of services of health workers under the umbrella of JOHESU might cause during this period.

    “We urge the consumers of health care and well-meaning Nigerians to empathise with us and also give solidarity to this struggle which is aimed at making healthcare delivery effective, accessible and affordable in the country.

    “JOHESU has always exhibited maturity, selflessness and patriotism even in the face of extreme provocations and government’s long delay in meeting our demands and we think that our maturity and patriotism have been taken for granted.

    “JOHESU is committed to using social dialogue to resolve matters affecting the welfare and working conditions of our members.”

    He also warned that no member should be victimised for participating in the strike, which he described as a “dispute of right.”

  • JOHESU to FG: Address kidnapping, banditry with latest security technologies

    JOHESU to FG: Address kidnapping, banditry with latest security technologies

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals (AHPA), have called on the Federal Government to make use of latest security technologies in addressing the challenges of kidnapping, banditry and other forms of crime and insecurity in the country.

    A statement signed by the National President of JOHESU, Comrade Kabir Ado Minjibir and National Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, yesterday in Abuja, urged government to do everything within its powers to secure the prompt release of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna who has been held captive by her abductors since December 27, 2023.

    The health workers who noted they stand in solidarity with Resident Doctors currently on a seven day warning strike over Dr Poopola’s eight-month long abduction, said abduction of healthcare workers was a dangerous trend requiring an emergency action.

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    The statement partly reads: “JOHESU/AHPA condemns in its entirety this incidence of eight months adoption of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, whom we learnt is a nursing mother.

    “This is one adoption too many in the health sector where kidnappers have continued to carry out kidnapping activities without any form of resistance from the security apparatus.

    “The vulnerability of health workers across health facilities in the country is capable of undermining healthcare delivery to citizens and consumers of healthcare across the country. This is a dangerous trend that requires emergency actions by all security agencies.

    “JOHESU/AHPA therefore calls on the Federal Government and Governments at the sub-national levels to as a matter of urgency direct appropriate security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped medical practitioner, her husband and other Nigerians in the den of kidnappers nationwide.

    “JOHESU/AHPA demands that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. should take urgent security measures as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to direct appropriate security agencies to use the latest security technology in addressing the hydra-headed threat posed by various acts of kidnapping, banditry and other organised crimes in the country.”

  • JOHESU demands payment of arrears of peculiar allowance

    JOHESU demands payment of arrears of peculiar allowance

    The newly inaugurated leadership of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has asked the Federal Government to pay the reviewed peculiar allowance for health workers under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

    The union also demanded an upward review of the retirement age of health workers.

    The new National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir said this on Thursday after he took over the leadership of the union.

    He vowed to intensify efforts in addressing existing demands before the Federal Government, especially the unjust treatment and discrimination of health workers in the country.

    Minjibir pledged to ensure that his administration would improve upon the legacy and achievements of his predecessors in taking the union to greater heights.

    He said: “This renewed mandate given to me by my union is a clarion call to take JOHESU to the next level of better representation and stronger engagement with other social partners to demand for improved working conditions and ensure equal opportunity and social justice for members of JOHESU affiliates in the health sector.

    “Major focus of this new leadership shall include amongst others: intensive struggle for the adjustment of CONHESS, payment of arrears of CONHESS review (peculiar allowance), upward review of retirement age of health workers, continued legislative struggle to amend Decree 10 of 1985, challenge all forms of discriminatory practices and unjust treatment of JOHESU members.”

    Earlier, the out gone acting National Chairman of JOHESU, Obinna Ogbonna, urged the new leadership to ensure a proper follow up with the federal government and other relevant agencies on pending issues which when addressed, would benefit health workers in the country.

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    Ogbonna, who noted that the out-gone leadership steered affairs of the union from 2015 to 2023, disclosed that at least ten issues were resolved within the period of their leadership.

    He listed the achievements as: “establishment of more regulatory councils; enhanced call duty allowance, extension of call duty allowance to other health workers on call duties; approval of pharmacist consultant cadre by the National Council on Establishment (NCE); approval of new hazard allowance for health workers.

    Other achievements are: “Payment of hazard inducement allowance during COVID 19 pandemic to health workers; payment of April and May 2018 withheld salaries and other withheld salaries of members across certain Federal Health Institutions (FHI) in the country. 

    Also achieved are: “Review (peculiar allowance) of 25% increase on consolidated basic; Promotion of deserving members from CONHESS 14 to 15 as directors in their various health facilities; Legislative struggle to push for amendment of Decree 10 of 1985 otherwise known as University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards etc) U15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 etc.”

    The newly elected members of JOHESU are Comrade (Dr.) Minjibir – chairman; Comrade (Dr.) Martin Egbanubi – National Secretary; Comrade (Chief) Matthew Owolabi Ajorutu – Assistant National Secretary; Comrade (Dr.) John Adeola Ali – Vice Chairman, and Comrade Dare Adebisi – Treasurer.

  • Workers reject Fed Govt‘s move to privatise public health institutions

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has rejected moves by the Federal Government to privatise public health institutions.

    Its National Chairman, Comrade Joy Bioblemoye, said at a rally against happenings in the sector at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja National Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, that privatisation was not the answer to the problems.

    He noted that the challenges facing the sector included corruption and lack of fair management in the system.

    The rally, he said, was to express displeasure over the health sector workers’ plight. He accused the Federal Ministry of Health of withholding workers’ salaries for last April and May.

    The workers, he said, would shut  down the sector, if nothing happens after the rally.

    Calling for President Muhammadu Buhari‘s intervention in the matter, Bioblemoye said over 90 per cent of Chief Medical Directors of public institutions have private hospitals.

    Such practice, he said, led to the rot in the system because of clash of interests.

    According to him, the rally was to sensitise the public and government that workers are not strike mongers.

    “We want the Ministry of Health to respect court order and release our salaries for April and May.

    “While the court asked both parties not to do anything that could jeopardise the peace process, the ministry went ahead to implement the ‘no work no pay policy’.”

     

  • JOHESU paralyses activities at Ministry of Health

    Health workers under the aegis of Joint Health Workers Union ( JOHESU ) paralysed activities at the Federal Ministry of Health Monday, demanding immediate implementation of the collective agreement reached with workers.

    The protesting JOHESU members also called for a holistic turn around the health sector to enable Nigerians have access to quality healthcare.

    They kicked against unjustified withholding of the salaries of JOHESU members for the months of April and May 2018 and also called for upward adjustment of CONHESS salary structure.

    The workers according to a staff of the ministry, arrived at the ministry complex in large number carrying placards with several inscriptions, threatened to mobilize Nigerian workers to come out with their mattresses, pillows and cooking utensils to the Federal Secretariat Abuja and also the houses of the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole in both Abuja and his village in Osun state.

    Read Also: Strike: JOHESU issues seven-day ultimatum

    Addressing the workers, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Waba who decried the discrimination being meted to health workers in the country said for peace to reign in the sector, there must be justice adding that has written to the President, Minister of health and the Minister of Labour and Productivity on the need to resolve the dispute in the health sector but has not received any response from them.

    Waba who criticized the Minister of Health for implementing No work No Pay rule in the health sector said, “The law of No work No Pay is a military decree. It is decree 54 of 1977. No government in the history of Nigeria either military or civilian has implemented it. Why should it then be implemented if they didn’t implement collective bargaining agreement. He who goes to equity must go with clean hands. Therefore you cannot benefit all and all that we have already also violated another law

    “We will continue to fight. Let us be ready. Anytime you hear that we are reconvening here, you should come with your mattress and pillow. We are going to get people to cook here, we will sleep here. The minister has said that he doesn’t want peace in the health sector he cannot also have peace in his family, village and wherever he is. I want to assure you that we cannot be deterred. Nobody can associate your action which is legitimate to any political association.

    Also speaking, JOHESU President, Josiah Biobelemoye, said the peaceful protest was in response to deliberate attempt by the health minister to disrespect various agreements government reached with the health workers.

    He observed that the union’s plan was to locked down the ministry and occupy it till their requests were met, but they toned down their action because of the intervention by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    He said, “Most worrisome was that they have violated several parts of the order of the National Industrial Court. They have equally implemented no work no pay, which was contrary to the suggestions of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) team.

    “We never requested for equality. We only requested for equity. We ought to have commenced a nationwide strike on Monday or Tuesday, but swift intervention came from a highly respected clergyman over the weekend, who pleaded for more time to intervene.

    “We have agreed to soft pedal and watch the outcome of the intervention this week. We won’t hesitate to embark on a strike by the end of this week if we fail to get positive response.”

  • JOHESU threatens to resume strike

    The leadership of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU)  has threatened to resume the industrial action it suspended on  May 30, 2018 if the issues in dispute are not resolved.

    The group has consequently scheduled to meet on Monday to decide the next step to take in its disagreement with the government.

    Briefing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, JOHESU President, Comrade Biobelemoye Josiah, said: All branch executive representatives in both federal and state institutions are expected to attend the meeting. We urge all members to await further directives.”

    The fresh threat  to embark on strike has been said to contravene the interim order of injunction against the leadership of JOHESU.

    According to a group, Kingdom Human Right Foundation, any attempt by the union to go on strike will “amount to disrespect and a deliberate affront to the majesty of honourable court. Such contemptuous act will warrant the invocation of disciplinary jurisdiction of the court for committal proceedings. ”

    The group reminded  the union that the May 17th 2018 order by the Industrial Court still subsists.

    But JOHESU president yesterday said the government was the first to contravene the court order by applying no work no pay policy.

    He noted that workers’ salaries for the month of April and May, 2018 was unjustly withheld.

    Josiah further alleged that the no work no pay policy of the government only applied  to JOHESU, while other groups get paid when they go on strike.

    As part of the efforts to press home it’s demand, the union in collaboration with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has concluded plans to stage a national rally in Abuja to draw the attention of the federal and state ministries of health to their plight.

    Among issues at stake are upward adjustment of the CONHESS salary structure; unjustified withholding of the salaries of JOHESU members for the months of April and May, 2018 and headship of hospital departments. Others are non promotion of members on CONHESS 14 – 15 as directors in some federal health institutions, and implementation of consultancy cadre to JOHESU members.

  • JOHESU gives FG Jan.31 deadline to meet demands or strike

    The Joint Health Sector Unions ( JOHESU ) on Monday gave the Federal Government a Jan. 31 deadline to resolve all disputes, and meet the unions’ outstanding demands, or face industrial action.

    JOHESU’s National Chairman, Mr Josiah Biobelemoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the government had failed to adjust college skills for its members.

    Biobelemoye also said that the government had withheld April and May 2018 salaries of some union members that participated in the last strike.

    Other demands by JOHESU include the age-long struggle for recognition of consultancy cadre for eligible health workers and other outstanding allowances.

    The five affiliate unions of JOHESU are the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and Medical and Health Workers’ Union (MHWUN).

    Others include the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.

    Josiah said that the unions would be compelled to embark on strike, if the government failed to meet its demands by Jan. 31.

    “There is a time limit which should have been 21 days, but now, it is over six months because there are still some issues that are unresolved,” the JOHESU chairman said.

    He said that the government breached its agreement with the unions after the last year’s strike, that none of its members should be sanctioned.

    “Non-payment of salary during strike was not part of the memorandum of understanding we signed with the government.

    “We also have valid order of courts on our outstanding allowances; rather, the Federal Ministry of Health, through various hospital managements, illegally paid the arrears to medical doctors.

    “Medical doctors are not our members, and not entitled to these allowances because they were legitimately appropriated for us; which really need to be addressed,” he said.

    Josiah said that appointments of leaders in the Ministry of Health were only favourable to the medical doctors.

    Read Also: JOHESU, NMA differ over Appeal court ruling

    “Meeting health workers’ demands are not essential, but when we plan to go on strike, the government would say health is an essential service to get Nigerians’ sympathy,” he said.

    Also, Mr Olumide Akintayo, an Executive Member, Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association (AHPA), said that health professionals would continue to remind themselves that healthcare should be globally-inclined service, with norms and values.

    Akintayo said that running healthcare services should not be for only one health workforce because the result would be failure in the health system.

    “The quantity of appointments we have in the Federal Ministry of Health is very poor, by appointing doctors in all top positions.

    “What is happening in the health sector is appointment of doctors, which are far less than five per cent of the workforce in the health sector, to dominate the interest of other health workers, who contributes 95 per cent of workforce.

    “The world’s number one healthcare care worker is not even a medical doctor; that is why the director-general of the World Health Organisation is a microbiologist,” he said.

    According to Akintayo, what we have in the health sector in Nigeria is driven exclusively by medical doctors, and that is why we shall continue to contend with negative health issues.

    “Health issues include infant mortality, maternal mortality, fake drug syndrome, drug abuse and misuse of drugs,” he said.

  • Healthcare company seeks partnership with African firms

    Fast rising American healthcare company Izzycare says it is seeking partnership with African institutions as it set sights on improving healthy living ‘that comes with a reward’ across the continent.

    The firm developed an app based consultations which will give enrollees an unlimited access to teams of high level doctors, psychologists and wellness coaches with their services costing only $10 for adults and $5 for teenagers and babies getting a free pass if parents are enrollees.

    Co- founder Joswell Valdez says they are looking for mostly partnerships with systems already on the ground, hospitals and health maintenance organisations (HMOs)

    “We are serious about improving the healthcare of Africans in terms of accessibility to world class doctors and other health experts from the U.S.A, China, India or wherever, we will bring the patient and specialist together under one platform.” Valdez said.

    He also called on investors to take advantage of their ICO to invest in the firm saying they welcome both big institutions and individual investors to be part of the plan to move the continent’s healthcare forward.

    Observers say, this development is coming at a time when Nigerian healthcare is in need of a major boost considering how thousands of patients suffered a great deal during the recent joint health workers ( JOHESU ) strike which shut down hospitals for weeks.