By Adeyemi David
Barely after 84 day, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike, paving the way for the restoration of public health services across Nigeria.
The decision was reached on Friday following an expanded emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja, where leaders reviewed the outcome of recent conciliation talks with the Federal Government at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
JOHESU had embarked on the indefinite strike on November 15, 2025, accusing the government of failing to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and neglecting long-standing welfare and systemic issues affecting the health sector.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the union said the industrial action was suspended to allow for the implementation of agreements reached with the government.
“After exhaustive deliberations, the expanded NEC unanimously voted to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike and allow for the implementation of the FG–JOHESU terms of settlement,” the communiqué stated.
The union expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their patience during the disruption of health services, noting that the strike was driven by a breakdown of trust and persistent injustice. It urged authorities to act responsibly to prevent a recurrence of such crises.
JOHESU leaders disclosed that negotiations gained momentum in January with review meetings held on January 15 and 22 involving officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, where both parties exchanged proposals to resolve the dispute.
The breakthrough came on February 5, 2026, during an emergency conciliation meeting convened after a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Under the agreement, the Federal Government pledged to provide funding for the CONHESS adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Authorities also agreed to withdraw the “no work, no pay” directive and immediately settle January 2026 salaries owed to JOHESU members.
Additionally, the government assured the union that no worker would face victimisation or sanctions for participating in the strike.
JOHESU represents thousands of health and allied workers nationwide, including members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, as well as non-academic staff in teaching hospitals and research institutions.
