Federal Ministry of Health Unveils Framework to Resolve Ongoing JOHESU Dispute

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to sustaining industrial harmony in the health sector, announcing a structured framework to address the ongoing trade dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), which began with an indefinite strike on November 14, 2025.

In a statement issued late Saturday by Director of Information and Public Relations Alaba Balogun, the Ministry dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) that it deliberately refused to implement the 2021 Technical Sub-Committee report on adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The Ministry described such claims as untrue and misleading, insisting there is no discrimination against any category of health workers or institutional disrespect toward organised labour.

Key Elements of the Framework

• Conciliatory Engagements: Multiple meetings have been held since the strike began, including a high-level session on January 15, 2026, which produced a tentative understanding with JOHESU. Further talks occurred last week to conclude agreed issues.
• NSIWC Job Evaluation: The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is conducting a comprehensive job evaluation exercise, initiated in November 2025 and expected to last six months. This will determine appropriate placement of all health professionals and pave the way for salary adjustment discussions.
• “No Work, No Pay” Policy: If JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter will be handled administratively.
• Labour Involvement: The Ministry welcomes continued participation of NLC and TUC in future engagements.
• Call to Suspend Strike: The Ministry urged JOHESU to end the industrial action to prevent further disruption to healthcare delivery nationwide.

The statement emphasised fairness, equity across professional cadres, and long-term industrial peace, while appreciating health professionals who remain on duty during the strike.

Background on the JOHESU Dispute

JOHESU represents non-medical health professionals and has demanded implementation of the 2021 CONHESS adjustment report to correct perceived inequities with doctors’ pay structure (CONMESS). The strike, now in its third month, has disrupted hospitals and diagnostic services nationwide. The Government argues that the ongoing NSIWC job evaluation is the objective mechanism to resolve salary placement issues.

Broader Health Sector Challenges

Nigeria’s health system faces severe shortages, underfunding, and mass emigration of professionals. The dispute reflects longstanding tensions over pay relativity, compounded by fiscal constraints and rising inflation. The Ministry’s framework aims to de-escalate while maintaining fiscal discipline. JOHESU has not yet responded to the latest statement, and the 14-day ultimatum issued by TUC and NLC on January 24 remains active, with potential nationwide strike action if unmet by February 7, 2026.