Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) say they will continue their indefinite nationwide strike, blaming the federal government for prolonged delays in implementing adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The decision follows an expanded emergency virtual meeting of JOHESU’s National Executive Council, which reviews negotiation outcomes, nationwide compliance and unresolved government commitments.
In a communiqué signed by National Chairman Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, released on Tuesday, the union accuses the government of “persistent insensitivity and discrimination” towards non-doctor health professionals.
At the heart of the dispute is the failure to adjust CONHESS in line with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which JOHESU says has been reviewed three times for doctors since 2014 without corresponding adjustments for other health workers. “This industrial action results from years of unfulfilled promises and signed agreements,” the union states.
JOHESU recalls a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 29 October 2024, alongside commitments made during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, which remain unimplemented.
Following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum on 31 October, the union declared an indefinite strike starting 15 November 2025, now entering its fourth week.
The NEC says two conciliation meetings held in November and December failed to produce results, as the government is yet to issue the enabling circular and revised salary tables.
JOHESU also warns against victimising striking workers and condemns the use of interns and locum staff to weaken the action, citing risks to patient safety.
The unions insist the strike will continue until all agreements are fully implemented.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
