The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government during talks held on February 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.
The union announced the decision on Friday following an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), stating that the strike was called off after the government agreed to begin salary negotiations, pay outstanding wages, and reverse the “No Work, No Pay” order. The suspension is expected to restore normal services in public hospitals nationwide.
In a communiqué jointly signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Ado-Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union said the decision followed a careful review of agreements reached with the government.
According to the communiqué, the NEC meeting was convened to assess the outcome of the conciliation meeting with government officials.
The union said the agreements include the commencement of negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the immediate prioritisation of unresolved issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
It added that the Federal Government had agreed to make budgetary provision for the salary adjustment in the 2026 Appropriation Act, using the existing technical committee template.
JOHESU also said the government would withdraw the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued against members during the strike.
The communiqué further stated that January 2026 salaries for all members would be paid immediately and that no worker would be punished, intimidated, or victimised for participating in the industrial action.
“Following a review of the resolutions, the expanded National Executive Council unanimously approved the suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike,” the union said.
“The NEC subsequently directed all JOHESU members across federal and state health institutions to resume work with immediate effect.”
The union recalled that the strike, which began on November 15, 2025, stemmed from the government’s failure to implement the CONHESS adjustment and address other welfare concerns.
According to JOHESU, the prolonged industrial action severely disrupted healthcare delivery and contributed to increased maternal and infant deaths across the country.
It also claimed that the Federal Government reportedly lost close to one trillion naira in revenue during the strike period.
The union explained that the February 5 conciliation meeting was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Labour, Finance, and Health, as well as officials of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
JOHESU commended the leadership of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and professional bodies for their roles in resolving the dispute.
The union urged both the Federal and State Governments to fully implement the agreements reached in order to prevent future industrial actions and ensure stability in the health sector.
