JOHESU Ends 84-Day Strike as Government Finally Reads the Prescription

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has officially suspended its 84-day nationwide strike following a breakthrough agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria, bringing relief to public health institutions across the country. The suspension was announced after an emergency expanded meeting of JOHESU’s National Executive Council (NEC), convened to review the outcomes of a high-level conciliation meeting held on February 5 at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.

The prolonged strike, which disrupted services in federal and state-owned hospitals, had raised serious concerns over access to healthcare, industrial harmony, and the welfare of health workers. JOHESU, which represents various health professionals excluding doctors, embarked on the strike to press home demands bordering on salary structure adjustments, collective bargaining rights, and protection of workers’ welfare.

Following extensive deliberations, the union resolved to suspend the industrial action in the interest of patients and national stability, noting that concrete commitments were secured from the government. JOHESU leaders described the agreements reached as significant progress toward resolving long-standing disputes in Nigeria’s health sector labour relations.

CBA Negotiations and CONHESS Salary Adjustment Take Centre Stage

A major outcome of the conciliation process is the Federal Government’s commitment to immediately commence negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for JOHESU members. The union has long argued that the absence of an updated CBA has contributed to inequities in remuneration and career progression within the health sector.

In addition, the government agreed to prioritise adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which applies to JOHESU-affiliated health workers. According to the resolutions, the proposed salary adjustments will receive formal backing in the 2026 national budget, a move the union believes will give the agreement legal and financial credibility.

JOHESU described the inclusion of CONHESS adjustments in the 2026 budget framework as a critical assurance, signalling the government’s readiness to address systemic pay disparities. Union officials noted that this commitment was a key factor in the decision to suspend the strike, pending the faithful implementation of agreed timelines.

Withdrawal of ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy and Assurances to Workers

Another central resolution from the Abuja talks was the withdrawal of the controversial “No Work, No Pay” directive earlier applied during the strike period. The policy had heightened tensions between the government and health workers, with JOHESU insisting it was punitive and counterproductive to constructive dialogue.

The Federal Government also approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries to affected health workers, easing financial pressure on thousands of union members who had been without pay during the industrial action. This development was welcomed as a confidence-building measure aimed at restoring trust between both parties.

Furthermore, the government assured JOHESU that no form of victimisation, sanctions, or punitive actions would be taken against members who participated in the strike. The union said this assurance was crucial to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring a smooth return to duty across hospitals and health institutions nationwide.