The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has directed its members nationwide to continue the ongoing strike, accusing the Federal Government of failing to release the enabling circular for the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The strike, now in its 24th day, has disrupted services across federal and state health institutions.
This was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the end of an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) emergency virtual meeting held on Monday, December 8, 2025.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the JOHESU National Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and the National Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi.
According to the communiqué, the meeting was attended by presidents and general secretaries of all JOHESU affiliate unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), as well as JOHESU veterans.
Chairpersons and secretaries of state chapters, federal health institutions, and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health were also in attendance.
The NEC said it reviewed reports on compliance across the country since the strike began on November 14, after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
It also considered updates from two conciliation meetings held with government representatives on November 19 and December 4.
Following extensive deliberations, JOHESU criticized the Federal Government for what it described as unnecessary delays in issuing the circular and salary table needed for the CONHESS adjustment.
It resolved that the nationwide strike would continue until the demand is met.
The NEC also warned the government against victimizing health workers involved in the strike, insisting that such actions violate industrial relations principles.
It urged state-owned health institutions that have already issued strike notices to join the national action once their ultimatums expire, especially if state governments fail to respond positively.
The communiqué condemned attempts by some health institutions to deploy locum staff and interns to undermine the strike, stressing that interns are not legally permitted to work independently in any health profession.
It warned that such actions pose risks to patient safety and vowed to resist quackery, casualization and unprofessional practices in hospitals.
JOHESU encouraged its members to remain resolute and maintain momentum, describing their perseverance as vital to protecting professional welfare and the public interest.
While expressing sympathy to Nigerians affected by the prolonged strike, the NEC commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their solidarity.
It urged labour centres, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, elder statesmen and other stakeholders to press the Federal Government to urgently address the union’s sole demand of CONHESS adjustment to restore stability in the health sector.
