The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) in Nigeria has suspended its 84-day nationwide indefinite strike after reaching an agreement with the federal government at an emergency conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The decision followed an expanded emergency meeting of JOHESU’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on February 6, 2026, in Abuja and virtually, where members reviewed the outcome of February 5 talks aimed at resolving the dispute that began on November 15, 2025. The union directed all members to resume work from midnight on February 6.
In a communiqué signed by National President Kabir Ado Minijibir and National Secretary Martins Egbanubi, JOHESU said the strike was suspended to allow implementation of agreed settlement terms. The union said the action stemmed from the failure of federal and some state governments to address long-standing demands, especially the non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), pending since 2014.
The NEC expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic toll of the strike, citing increased maternal and infant mortality and claiming the federal government lost nearly one trillion naira in internally generated revenue during the period.
“Earlier efforts to resolve the dispute included meetings with the Federal Ministry of Health in January and previous conciliation attempts by the Ministry of Labour. A breakthrough came after a 14-day ultimatum by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), prompting the February 5 emergency session attended by key government officials and labour leaders”.
“Resolutions reached include restructuring the collective bargaining agreement to correct implementation gaps from 2009 to 2026, immediate negotiations on outstanding CONHESS issues under JOHESU, and budgetary provisions for adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act”.
The government also agreed to withdraw the “no work, no pay” directive, pay January 2026 salaries to affected workers, and ensure no member faces victimisation for participating in the strike.
JOHESU warned that failure to implement the agreement could prompt further lawful industrial action by the NLC and TUC. The union thanked several stakeholders, including National Assembly leaders, health sector officials, traditional rulers, and affiliate unions, for their roles in resolving the crisis.
While appreciating public support, JOHESU urged governments to act responsibly to prevent a recurrence of the hardship experienced during the strike.