By Nchetachi Chukwuajah with Agency Report
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has threatened to resume its nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to implement agreed salary adjustments by April.
Chairman of JOHESU, Cross River State chapter, Dr Bassey Icha, disclosed on Tuesday, February 10, in Calabar during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The warning follows the suspension of the union’s 84-day strike, which began on November 15, 2025, and was halted on February 6 by its national leadership following agreements reached with the Federal Government at an emergency conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Icha said its members resumed work after holding congresses in their respective units and branches, adding that the strike was driven mainly by the non-review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, introduced in 2009 without adjustment.
He noted that doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure have enjoyed multiple reviews, widening the pay gap in the health sector.
“JOHESU was not demanding parity with doctors’ salaries but was seeking a fair review based on government salary templates,” he said.
According to him, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the government since 2014 had not been implemented, and a 2021 memo forwarded to the Budget Office had not yet passed through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Icha said JOHESU agreed to suspend the strike after the government appealed for time, pending committee approval expected by April.
“Failure to achieve positive outcomes by the end of April would force JOHESU back to industrial action,” he said.
The JOHESU chapter chairman further disclosed that research showed that Nigeria paid health workers less than most West African countries, including Ghana.
He urged the government to prioritise training, modern equipment, and improved working conditions to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
Recall that the 84-day industrial action by JOHESU paralysed activities in government-owned hospitals across the country, leaving patients stranded and forcing many to seek essential medical services outside public health facilities.
The decision to call off the strike was taken at an expanded emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of JOHESU held on Friday, February 6, in Abuja and virtually.
