FG Ends 84-Day JOHESU Strike, Orders Immediate Return To Work Nationwide
After nearly three months of disruption to hospital services, Nigeria’s fragile health system has caught a much-needed break.
The Federal Government has resolved the 84-day nationwide industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) following a successful conciliation meeting in Abuja, paving the way for health workers to return to duty across the country with immediate effect.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director Press & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution reflects the government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness and the welfare of health workers.
JOHESU has directed its members to resume work in the interest of patients, health system stability and public health security.
As part of the agreement, the Federal Government withdrew the “No Work, No Pay” directive imposed during the strike and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries to all JOHESU members.
The government also assured workers that no one would be victimised or sanctioned for participating in the industrial action.
Dr Salako reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions, including continued negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and outstanding issues around the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
He added that provisions for proposed salary adjustments would be made in the 2026 Appropriation Act, guided by the existing technical committee template.
The Ministry commended all parties for their cooperation and patriotism, assuring Nigerians of the government’s resolve to restore uninterrupted, quality and accessible healthcare services nationwide.
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