After nearly three months of disruption across public hospitals and health institutions, the Federal Government has formally brought an end to the prolonged Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) strike, announcing the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” directive and approving payment of January 2026 salaries for affected workers.
The decision followed a high-level conciliation meeting between government representatives and leaders of the JOHESU.
At the end of the discussions, union executives directed their members nationwide to immediately resume duties, signalling a temporary resolution to one of the longest industrial actions in Nigeria’s health system in recent years.
The 84-day JOHESU strike had severely strained public healthcare delivery. Many federal and state-owned hospitals operated skeletal services, while patients were forced to seek alternatives in private facilities or postpone treatments.
The disruption raised widespread concern about patient safety, access to emergency services, and the broader implications for national health outcomes.
In a statement confirming the development, the ministry’s Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations explained that both parties reached common ground after extensive dialogue.
The Federal Government, he said, acknowledged the urgency of restoring services and ensuring that health workers returned to a stable and supportive working environment.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare and professional growth of healthcare personnel.
According to him, resolving the JOHESU strike through dialogue demonstrates that negotiation and mutual respect remain the most effective tools for settling industrial disputes in essential sectors.
He noted that healthcare workers play a critical role in safeguarding the wellbeing of Nigerians and deserve policies that reflect their contributions.
In recognition of their sacrifices, the government approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries, reversing the earlier “No Work, No Pay” measure introduced during the industrial action.
Dr. Salako also assured workers that participation in the JOHESU strike would not attract punitive consequences.
No member, he said, would face victimisation, sanctions, or intimidation for taking part in the protest.
This assurance was described as a confidence-building measure aimed at rebuilding trust between the government and health unions.
Beyond salary payments, discussions during the conciliation meeting addressed broader structural concerns within the health system.
Central among these is the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which unions argue must reflect current economic realities and inflationary pressures.
The minister confirmed that negotiations on CONHESS adjustment would continue as part of efforts to strengthen health sector stability.
He further revealed that provisions for salary adjustments have been incorporated into the 2026 Appropriation framework.
According to him, this budgetary inclusion underscores the Federal Government’s intention to back its promises with concrete financial planning rather than temporary assurances.
Observers say the resolution of the JOHESU strike provides an opportunity for deeper reforms in the health sector.
While salary concerns triggered the industrial action, underlying issues such as infrastructure deficits, manpower shortages, and delayed policy implementation also contributed to tensions.
Addressing these systemic challenges, analysts argue, will be essential to preventing future disruptions.
Healthcare professionals across several states have already resumed services following the union’s directive.
Patients returning to public facilities expressed relief at the reopening of wards, laboratories, and outpatient departments that had been partially or fully shut during the strike period.
Union representatives, while announcing the suspension of the JOHESU strike, emphasised that the agreement marks progress but not the end of advocacy.
They reiterated their commitment to constructive engagement with authorities to secure lasting improvements in working conditions and professional recognition.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stated that the agreements reached are intended to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery nationwide.
Officials acknowledged that rebuilding public confidence in government hospitals will require consistent implementation of the commitments made during negotiations.
Policy experts view the development as a reminder of the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and workforce welfare.
As Nigeria grapples with economic pressures, maintaining motivation among frontline health workers remains vital to achieving universal health coverage goals.
Ireport247news
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