FG Ends 84-Day JOHESU Strike, Okays January Salaries, Drops ‘No Work, No Pay’ Sanction

The Federal Government has successfully resolved the 84-day nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), paving the way for the immediate return of health workers to duty across the country.

This followed a successful conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU, after which the union directed its members nationwide to resume work in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security.

Announcing the development in Abuja on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the resolution underscored the government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness, and the protection of health workers’ welfare.

Speaking on the outcome, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the suspension of the strike as a product of constructive engagement and mutual respect between government and labour.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of health workers, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective mechanism for resolving industrial disputes in the health sector.

As part of the resolution, the Federal Government announced the withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued during the strike and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries to all JOHESU members.

Dr. Salako assured health workers that no JOHESU member would be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action, noting that government recognises the sacrifices made by health professionals in safeguarding the wellbeing of Nigerians.

The Minister further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions to strengthen industrial harmony and improve service delivery.

He disclosed that negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) would continue, alongside the prioritisation of outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

In addition, the Federal Government pledged to make provisions for the proposed salary adjustments through budgetary allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act, guided by the existing technical committee template.

According to the Minister, the inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 budget framework reflects the government’s resolve to deliver sustainable, long-term solutions for the health workforce.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commended the spirit of cooperation, patriotism, and responsibility demonstrated by all parties throughout the engagement process, while reassuring Nigerians of the government’s unwavering commitment to uninterrupted, quality, and accessible healthcare services nationwide.