Health workers across the country have embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike beginning from Saturday (today), warning the government against any form of intimidation or victimization.
The strike action was declared by the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations on Friday.
The unions cited the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure, along with unresolved welfare and systemic issues, as the primary reasons for the strike.
In a statement signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibri, the unions stressed that prolonged government inaction left them with no option but to withdraw services.
“We have shown patience, selflessness, and patriotism, yet our flagship demand for salary parity and welfare improvements has been ignored,” the statement said.
The strike comes amid an ongoing nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, which has raised concerns about a potential collapse of services in federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and state-run health facilities.
JOHESU represents several key health sector 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 unions recalled that previous strikes were suspended in June 2023 and October 2024 following presidential interventions and agreements, which the government failed to implement.
JOHESU noted that its members had continued dialogue for years but were now compelled to act due to continued government inaction.
“We urge all members to comply strictly with this strike directive. JOHESU will not tolerate victimisation or sanctions against its members during this period,” the statement warned.
The unions also highlighted that the delay in implementing the High-Level Body Committee’s report on CONHESS, which has persisted since 2022, remains the core issue prompting the strike.
JOHESU said the government’s repeated excuses, including delays in reconstituting the Presidential Committee on Salaries, had failed to resolve the matter.
