JOHESU suspends nationwide strike after 84 Days

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike, 84 days after the industrial action commenced across the country.

The decision was announced in a communiqué issued on Friday following an emergency expanded meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja.

According to the communiqué, the meeting was convened to review the outcome of a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU, which took place on Thursday at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“After exhaustive deliberations and review of the terms of settlement of the conciliation meeting, the expanded NEC-in-session voted unanimously to suspend the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike action to allow for the implementation of the FG–JOHESU Terms of Settlement,” the communiqué read.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of JOHESU, Kabiru Minjibir, and the Secretary, Martin Adekunle.

While appreciating Nigerians for their patience and understanding during the prolonged strike, the union noted that the industrial action was necessitated by persistent injustice and a deep trust deficit between health workers and government authorities.

“We appeal to consumers of health that a recurring infliction of injustice and a huge trust deficit necessitated this unfortunate and avoidable nationwide strike,” the union stated, urging the Federal and State Governments to act responsibly to prevent a recurrence.

The strike, which entered its 84th day on Friday, had paralysed activities in government-owned hospitals nationwide, leaving many patients stranded and forcing others to seek medical care from private facilities.

JOHESU also expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions that contributed to resolving the impasse, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, chairmen of the health committees in the National Assembly, hospital chief executives, professional bodies, and traditional rulers—particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The union further thanked the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their solidarity, as well as members of its affiliate unions—MHWUN, NUAHP, SSAUTHRIAI and NASU—for what it described as resilience and unwavering commitment throughout the strike.

The prolonged industrial action had earlier prompted the NLC and TUC to issue a 14-day ultimatum in solidarity with JOHESU.

JOHESU had announced the indefinite strike in November 2025 over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure and other outstanding agreements.

At the time, Minjibir warned that the strike would severely disrupt healthcare delivery and academic activities in medical institutions, accusing the government of failing to engage meaningfully with the unions despite several ultimatums.