JOHESU ends 84-day strike as FG approves January salary, lifts ‘no work, no pay’

The Federal Government has announced the suspension of the 84-day nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) following a successful conciliation meeting between both parties.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the government confirmed that JOHESU members have been directed to resume work immediately in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security.

The statement, signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, quoted the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, as saying the resolution underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness, and the protection of Nigeria’s health workforce.

“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. This resolution proves that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith are the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in the health sector,” Salako said.

As part of the agreement, the government has withdrawn the controversial “No Work, No Pay” directive issued during the strike and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries to all JOHESU members.

Dr Salako further assured health workers that no member would face victimisation or sanctions for participating in the industrial action, stressing that negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) would continue.

He added that the government remains committed to addressing outstanding issues related to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and has pledged to make provisions for proposed salary adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act, guided by the technical committee’s template.

“This administration is determined to build a health sector where workers feel valued, patients receive quality care, and institutions are strengthened for long-term sustainability,” the minister stated.

The Ministry of Health also commended the spirit of cooperation and patriotism shown by all parties and reassured Nigerians of the government’s resolve to ensure uninterrupted, accessible, and quality healthcare services nationwide.

Meanwhile, JOHESU’s Cross River State Chairman, Dr Bassey Icha, earlier warned that the union could embark on another nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreed salary adjustments by April.

JOHESU’s strike, which began on November 15, 2025, was officially suspended on February 6, 2026, by its national leadership.