The Federal Government has resolved the 84-day nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), following a successful conciliation meeting between both parties.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that JOHESU has suspended the strike and directed its members across the country to resume work immediately in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security.
Speaking on the development, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness, and the protection of Nigeria’s health workforce.
According to him, the agreement demonstrated that mutual respect and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in the health sector.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. The resolution reached demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector,” Salako stated.
As part of the resolution, the Federal Government has withdrawn the “No Work, No Pay” directive that was issued during the strike period. It has also approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for all JOHESU members.
“We recognise the sacrifices made by our health workers and the critical role they play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians. Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no worker will be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action,” the Minister added.
Salako further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions to strengthen industrial harmony and improve service delivery outcomes.
He disclosed that negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement would continue, with priority attention given to outstanding issues, including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The Federal Government, he said, has also committed to making provisions for the proposed salary adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act, guided by recommendations of the existing technical committee.
“The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 Appropriation framework reflects our seriousness about sustainable solutions for the health workforce. The Federal Government will continue to back its commitments with concrete policy and budgetary actions,” he assured.
The Ministry commended the spirit of cooperation, patriotism, and responsibility demonstrated by all parties during the negotiation process, while reassuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted, quality, and accessible healthcare services nationwide.
