JOHESU Threatens Fresh Strike If Demands Are Not Implemented, Sets Deadline

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has warned that it may embark on a fresh nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to implement agreed salary adjustments by April.

The Chairman of JOHESU in Cross River State, Dr Bassey Icha, issued the warning on Tuesday in Calabar during an interview with journalists.

The threat follows the suspension of the union’s strike action, which commenced on November 15, 2025, and was called off on February 6 by the national leadership of the union.

Icha said health workers had since resumed duties after holding congresses across their various units and branches, noting that the industrial action was largely prompted by the failure of the government to review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), introduced in 2009 without any adjustment.

He lamented that doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) had benefited from several reviews over the years, thereby widening the salary disparity within the health sector.

According to him, JOHESU was not seeking salary parity with doctors but was demanding a fair review in line with existing government salary templates.

Icha further disclosed that several Memoranda of Understanding signed between the union and the Federal Government since 2014 had yet to be implemented, while a 2021 memorandum forwarded to the Budget Office was still awaiting consideration by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

He said the union agreed to suspend the strike following the government’s appeal for more time, with assurances that committee approvals would be concluded by April.

“Failure to record positive outcomes by the end of April will leave JOHESU with no option but to resume industrial action,” he warned.

Icha also noted that studies had shown that Nigerian health workers were paid less than their counterparts in many West African countries, including Ghana.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise the training of health workers, provide modern equipment, and improve working conditions to enhance healthcare delivery across the country.

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