The Federal Government has announced a structured framework aimed at resolving the ongoing industrial dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), while reaffirming its commitment to reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this in a press release on Friday, responding to concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) over the protracted strike action embarked upon by JOHESU on November 14, 2025.
The strike followed an ultimatum issued by JOHESU demanding an adjustment of CONHESS in line with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Labour unions had alleged that the Ministry deliberately refused to implement the 2021 report of a Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment, describing the delay as discriminatory and disrespectful to health workers.
However, the Ministry firmly rejected the allegations, stated that there was no deliberate refusal to implement the committee’s report nor any form of discrimination against health professionals. It reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to industrial harmony in the health sector.
According to the Ministry, several conciliatory meetings have been held with JOHESU since the commencement of the strike, both at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, despite the union’s decision to approach the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
A major breakthrough was recorded during a high-level conciliatory meeting convened by the Ministry on January 15, 2026, where both parties reached a tentative understanding on a framework to resolve the lingering dispute.
At the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals including the immediate implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), as well as the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular.
In response, the Ministry appealed for the maintenance of the status quo pending the completion of an ongoing job evaluation exercise being conducted by the NSIWC. The exercise, which commenced in November 2025 and is expected to last six months, is aimed at determining appropriate job placements for all health professionals and will provide the basis for salary adjustments and the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
On the issue of “No Work, No Pay,” the Ministry assured that once JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter would be addressed administratively.
To further demonstrate goodwill, the Ministry confirmed its openness to continued participation by the NLC and TUC in the dialogue process and disclosed that additional meetings were held on January 20 and 22, 2026, to consolidate agreements reached earlier and pave the way for the suspension of the strike.
The Ministry noted that JOHESU’s demand for CONHESS adjustment has persisted for over a decade, remaining unresolved by previous administrations. It stressed that the current Federal Government is determined to resolve the matter in a manner that promotes equity, teamwork across professional cadres, uninterrupted healthcare delivery, and long-term industrial harmony.
While urging JOHESU to call off the strike in the interest of public health and national welfare, the Ministry expressed appreciation to health professionals who have continued to render services during the industrial action, assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to keep federal hospitals operational.
