By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
The Federal Government has resolved the prolonged industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), with the union suspending its 84-day nationwide strike following a conciliation meeting with government representatives.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, JOHESU, signed by, the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, directed its members across the country to immediately resume duties, citing the need to stabilise the health system and protect public health.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution underscores the government’s preference for dialogue-driven conflict management and its commitment to the welfare of health workers.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said: “The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. The resolution reached demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector.”
As part of the agreement, the Federal Government withdrew the earlier “No Work, No Pay” directive imposed during the strike period and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for affected JOHESU members.
Dr. Salako acknowledged the role of health workers in maintaining national wellbeing, assuring that participants in the strike would not face punitive action.
He added: “We recognise the sacrifices made by our health workers and the critical role they play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians. Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no worker will be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action.”
He further stated that the administration would sustain engagement with sector unions to strengthen industrial harmony and service delivery, including continued negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“This administration is determined to build a health sector where workers feel valued, patients receive quality care, and institutions are strengthened for long-term sustainability. We will continue negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and prioritise outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).”
The ministry also confirmed that provisions for proposed salary adjustments would be incorporated into the 2026 Appropriation Act, guided by recommendations from an existing technical committee.
“The Federal Government will continue to back its commitments with concrete policy and budgetary actions. The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 Appropriation framework reflects our seriousness about sustainable solutions for the health workforce.”
The ministry commended JOHESU and other stakeholders for what it described as a cooperative and patriotic approach to negotiations, reaffirming its commitment to uninterrupted and accessible healthc
are delivery nationwide.
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