February 06, (THEWILL) — Healthcare services across Nigeria are set to resume fully following the suspension of the 84-day nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) after reaching agreements with the Federal Government.
JOHESU announced the decision in a communiqué jointly signed by its National Chairman, Kabiru Ado-Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, after an emergency expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday in Abuja.
According to the union, the meeting reviewed the outcome of a conciliation session held on February 5 at the Ministry of Labour and Employment between JOHESU and representatives of the Federal Government.
The communiqué said key resolutions include the commencement of negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the immediate prioritisation of outstanding issues related to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
JOHESU disclosed that the Federal Government also agreed to make budgetary provisions for the salary adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act, based on the existing technical committee template.
The union further stated that the government approved the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” directive earlier issued against its members during the industrial action. It added that January 2026 salaries of all JOHESU members would be paid immediately, while assurances were given that no worker would be victimised, sanctioned or intimidated for participating in the strike.
“Following a review of the resolutions, the expanded National Executive Council unanimously approved the suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike. The NEC subsequently directed all JOHESU members across federal and state health institutions to resume work with immediate effect”, the communiqué said.
JOHESU recalled that the strike, which began on November 15, 2025, was triggered by the non-implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and other unresolved welfare issues.
The union noted that the prolonged industrial action severely disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, leading to increased maternal and infant mortality, while also reportedly costing the Federal Government close to ₦1 trillion in lost revenue.
It explained that the conciliation meeting was convened following a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The meeting was attended by the ministers of labour, finance and health, as well as representatives of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
JOHESU commended the intervention of the leadership of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and professional bodies in resolving the dispute, while urging the Federal and State Governments to fully implement the agreements reached to prevent future industrial actions in the health sector.
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