RismadarVoice Reporters
October 31, 2026
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have directed health workers nationwide to prepare for possible industrial action over the Federal Government’s continued delay in implementing adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The directive followed an emergency expanded National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Thursday, October 29, 2026, amid growing dissatisfaction over the unresolved salary dispute, which has lasted approximately 13 years.
In a resolution jointly signed by its National Chairman, Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU warned that members would resist further delays in implementing the adjustment.
The union recalled that President Bola Tinubu had intervened in June 2023, promising to address the dispute following an industrial action by health workers.
It stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare subsequently forwarded recommendations from a 2021 technical committee to relevant government authorities for consideration.
However, JOHESU accused the government of allowing implementation to remain stalled, citing delays involving the Presidential Committee on Salaries.
The union maintained that the adjustment had become urgent and warned against further attempts to frustrate negotiations concerning workers’ remuneration and welfare.
It also commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for supporting efforts to secure the outstanding adjustment.
The latest warning follows an 84-day nationwide strike that JOHESU suspended in February 2026 after reaching a settlement framework with the Federal Government.
Despite the agreement, the union maintains that major commitments, particularly the CONHESS adjustment, remain unfulfilled.
The TUC separately demanded implementation of the salary review on October 28, accusing the government of failing to honour its commitments.
The Federal Ministry of Health had earlier maintained that negotiations were ongoing and denied deliberately obstructing the adjustment, citing a job evaluation process intended to address remuneration differences among health professionals.
JOHESU has now directed its affiliates and members in federal and state health institutions to intensify mobilisation while remaining peaceful and awaiting further instructions.
The development raises concerns about possible disruptions to healthcare delivery should negotiations fail to resolve the dispute.
However, the union has not announced a fresh commencement date for a nationwide strike.
