JOHESU declares indefinite nationwide strike over salary structure delay

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Saturday, November 15, 2025, following the Federal Government’s delay in implementing the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, the unions said the shutdown had become necessary after years of unresolved welfare concerns and persistent systemic challenges affecting health workers nationwide.

The industrial action comes amid heightened pressure on the health sector, as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is already on an indefinite strike over unpaid hazard allowances, harsh working conditions and outstanding welfare agreements, raising fears of severe disruptions across federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres and several state-owned facilities.

JOHESU, a coalition of major health unions, comprises the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

According to the unions, the latest strike was triggered by the prolonged delay in implementing the High-Level Body Committee’s report on the adjusted CONHESS, submitted to the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages in 2022, despite repeated assurances from government officials over the years.

They criticised successive administrations for neglecting long-standing salary disparities in the health sector, saying, “Despite the well-advertised assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when JOHESU leadership met with him on June 5, 2023, the demand remains unattended to.”

JOHESU added that government officials had earlier blamed the delay on the non-reconstitution of the Presidential Committee on Salaries, but noted that even after the committee was reconstituted, the issue received “no meaningful attention until the last 48 hours,” describing the matter as “one of the longest and most protracted demands in Nigeria’s labour history.”

Following a unanimous resolution at JOHESU’s Expanded National Executive Council meeting on November 14, 2025, all affiliated unions in federal health institutions are expected to fully comply with the strike directive, while state chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will issue their governments a 15-day strike notice in line with labour laws.

JOHESU recalled suspending previous strike actions in June 2023 and October 2024 after presidential intervention and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, but lamented that “there has been no positive response despite assurances during subsequent meetings with relevant ministries and agencies,” adding that their patience had been exploited. “There is no doubt that we have exhibited maturity, selflessness, and patriotism. Yet, our goodwill has been taken for granted,” the statement added.

The unions directed members to strictly comply with the strike and warned the federal government against any form of intimidation or sanctions. “JOHESU will not accept victimisation of its members. This action is a legitimate dispute of right, and all communication channels will remain open during the strike,” the statement concluded.