Just In: Health Workers Suspend 84-Day Strike After Labour Ministry Intervention
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s public health system records a major breakthrough as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) suspend their 84-day nationwide strike, easing months of disruption across government hospitals.
JOHESU National President, Kabir Minjibir, confirms the suspension on Friday following last-minute mediation led by the Federal Ministry of Labour.
“The strike has been suspended,” Minjibir says in a brief message.
The prolonged industrial action paralyses services in public hospitals, forcing patients to seek costly alternatives and stretching private healthcare facilities nationwide.
JOHESU, which represents pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other allied health professionals, insists the strike stems from the Federal Government’s failure to implement the CONHESS adjustment report, submitted by a technical committee in 2021.
The deadlock also prompts the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to issue a 14-day ultimatum in solidarity, raising fears of wider industrial unrest.
Sources say the Labour Ministry’s intervention creates fresh space for dialogue, with assurances aimed at preventing further escalation.
Health sector analysts describe the suspension as a temporary relief, warning that unresolved structural issues could reignite tensions if negotiations stall.
Patients’ groups welcome the move but urge swift action.
“Suspension is not resolution. The government must now act decisively,” a civil society advocate says.
Hospitals are expected to resume skeletal operations immediately, with gradual restoration of full services.
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