The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) has initiated a seven-day nationwide warning strike as of midnight, October 25, 2024.
This decision was announced by Kabiru Minjibir, National President of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), during a press briefing following an expanded National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
Minjibir expressed frustration over the federal government’s lack of response to critical issues despite previous assurances. “If at the end of the seven days warning strike, the federal government fails to meet our demands, JOHESU has no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike action,” he warned.
The unions had issued a 15-day ultimatum on October 10, demanding immediate implementation of CONHESS adjustments, payment of 25% CONHESS review arrears from June to December 2023, and nine months’ salary for workers in regulatory agencies.
Additional demands include restoration of funding to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council and reconstitution of boards for federal health institutions.
Minjibir emphasised the unions’ commitment to dialogue, stating, “We shall keep all our channels of communication open during this period.” However, he reiterated that the action could have been avoided if the government had engaged proactively within the given timeframe.
JOHESU’s affiliates include the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), alongside others. The warning strike underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s healthcare sector as workers seek improved conditions and remuneration.
