​JOHESU vows to continue strike

File photo: JOHESU logo.

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The Joint Health Sector Unions have resolved to continue their indefinite nationwide strike.

JOHESU also accused the Federal Government of failing to release the circular and salary table required for the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

The decision was announced in a communique issued on Tuesday at the end of JOHESU’s expanded National Executive Council emergency virtual meeting held on Monday, and was signed by the JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and the National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.

JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations began an indefinite nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s persistent failure to implement the adjusted CONHESS and address longstanding welfare and systemic issues affecting health workers.

JOHESU represents several key unions, including 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.

The communique noted that after the deliberations, “The expanded NEC-in-Session condemned the delay by the Federal Government to issue the enabling circular and table for the implementation of the adjusted CONHESS, including payment arrangements.

“NEC, after a critical review of this development, approved that the indefinite national strike which commenced after the expiration of the 15-day ultimatum on November 14, 2025, should continue.

“NEC reminded the government of the norms in industrial relations and asserted that members of JOHESU should not be victimized for participating in the national strike.”

The NEC also warned the government against victimizing health workers participating in the industrial action, insisting that such actions violate established labour norms.

It further directed state health institutions and chapters that had issued strike notices to join the action immediately their respective ultimatums expire, should they receive negative responses from state governments.

“NEC forbade the use of locum staff and interns to sabotage the national strike in some Federal and State Health Institutions.

“NEC posited that interns were lawfully not permitted to work independently in any health profession, as the mandatory programme was part of their training, which compromises patient safety if their services are not strictly regulated by their preceptor.

NEC members under the aegis of JOHESU vowed to use all legitimate means to resist quackery, casualization, and unprofessional practices in the hospitals.

“NEC encouraged members to remain resolute and sustain the tempo of the strike in the ultimate professional and public interest,” it stated.

In its conclusion, JOHESU expressed sympathy to Nigerians for the avoidable and unfortunate situation, and commended the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for their solidarity.

It also appealed to labour bodies, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, and concerned stakeholders to pressure the Federal Government to urgently meet its single flagship demand of CONHESS adjustment to restore stability in the health sector.

The PUNCH journalist, Lara, has over 10 years experience covering health, environment and CSOs

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