Federal workers under the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) have urged the Federal Government to urgently resolve the ongoing health workers’ strike, warning that the prolonged shutdown of health services is putting the lives of Nigerians at serious risk.
The forum made the call on Monday in Abuja, noting that the strike has already denied many citizens access to essential medical care and could escalate into wider industrial unrest if not promptly addressed.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Emelieze, the forum said delays in resolving welfare and professional issues raised by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) were inflicting significant harm on the nation’s healthcare system and public wellbeing.
Mr. Emelieze said swift government intervention would help restore health services, save lives, and prevent the crisis from spreading to other federal institutions.
He said the Federal Workers Forum stood in solidarity with JOHESU, emphasising that health workers play a critical role in national development and that neglecting their welfare weakens hospitals and undermines the entire healthcare system.
The forum also expressed support for the 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), describing the intervention by the labour centres as timely and necessary.
According to Mr. Emelieze, many Nigerians have been unable to access medical treatment due to the prolonged strike, a situation he described as dangerous for a country already grappling with multiple health challenges.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately reopen negotiations with the striking unions, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could trigger broader industrial action across federal workplaces.
Mr. Emelieze also called on civil society organisations to support efforts aimed at ending the strike, stressing that functional hospitals and motivated health workers are indispensable to national growth.
He appealed to the Federal Government to act decisively to avert further loss of lives and restore normal health services across the country.
