The Federal Government has unveiled a fresh pathway aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), reaffirming its resolve to address outstanding grievances through dialogue, inclusiveness, and institutional fairness.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, the Government responded to recent claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) regarding the prolonged trade dispute between the Ministry and JOHESU, which led to the strike action that began on 14 November 2025.
The Ministry clarified that the strike followed JOHESU’s demand for an adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), comparable to the earlier review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
However, it firmly rejected allegations that the Government deliberately ignored or refused to implement the 2021 report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment, describing such assertions as unfounded.
According to the Ministry, the Federal Government has demonstrated good faith throughout the dispute by engaging JOHESU in several conciliatory meetings, both at the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. These engagements continued despite JOHESU’s decision to seek the intervention of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
A major breakthrough occurred at a high-level meeting convened on 15 January 2026, where both parties reached a provisional agreement on a framework to guide the resolution of the dispute.
At the meeting, JOHESU reiterated its demand for the implementation of the 2021 Technical Sub-Committee report under the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), as well as the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” directive.
In its response, the Ministry appealed for restraint, explaining that a comprehensive job evaluation exercise being conducted by the NSIWC is already underway.
The exercise, which commenced in November 2025 and is expected to span six months, is designed to objectively determine the appropriate placement and remuneration of health professionals, taking into account existing agreements and historical commitments within the sector.
The Ministry noted that once the evaluation is concluded, it will provide a credible basis for salary adjustments and the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). On the issue of “No Work, No Pay,” the Ministry assured that if JOHESU suspends the strike in good faith, the matter would be resolved administratively.
To further underscore its commitment to industrial peace, the Ministry expressed openness to the continued participation of the NLC and TUC in ongoing discussions. Follow-up meetings were held on 20 and 22 January 2026 to advance agreements reached earlier and encourage a return to work by JOHESU members.
The Ministry emphasized that the Federal Government remains focused on achieving a sustainable and mutually beneficial resolution, stressing that the demand for CONHESS adjustment has remained unresolved for over a decade under successive administrations.
It also highlighted that JOHESU members have benefited significantly from recent enhancements in professional allowances, with payments amounting to about ₦58 billion in arrears from July 2024 and approximately ₦40 billion annually thereafter.
Recognising the indispensable role of health workers in national development and public welfare, the Federal Government reiterated its determination to resolve the dispute in a manner that ensures equity, teamwork, uninterrupted healthcare services, and lasting industrial harmony.
The Ministry therefore appealed to JOHESU to call off the strike and allow negotiations to continue in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public.
The statement concluded with an expression of appreciation to health professionals who have continued to provide essential services during the strike, assuring Nigerians that all efforts are being made to keep federal health facilities operational.