JOHESU Warns of Health Sector Meltdown if Federal Government Fails to Meet August Demands

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has issued a stark warning of a potential sector-wide meltdown if the Federal Government does not fulfill outstanding demands by the end of August 2025.

The union’s leadership emphasized that prolonged delays in implementing agreements especially the payment of salary arrears and overdue adjustments under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) threaten to cripple Nigeria’s health sector.

In a communiqué following recent meetings, JOHESU’s National Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary Comrade Martin Egbanubi expressed dwindling patience with the government’s repeated postponements.

They noted that health workers have endured seven months of unpaid salary arrears despite salary reviews of 25 and 35 percent conducted between June and December 2023. The union underscored the hardship frontline health workers face while continuing to provide critical services amidst these financial strains.

JOHESU announced it will enter a formal trade dispute alongside the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress should the government fail to meet the August deadline.

The union highlighted that thousands of health workers nationwide are on high alert, warning that a strike could leave patients stranded and hospitals non-functional, plunging the sector into chaos.

The union also criticized interference by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) accusing it of overstepping negotiation boundaries and undermining collective bargaining by attempting to dictate terms for JOHESU-affiliated unions.

Further grievances include the suspension of circulars on CONHESS allowances and demands for re-evaluation of pay relativity ratios to better reflect the qualifications and responsibilities of health workers.

The Federal Government has assured payment of arrears within August, but JOHESU’s leadership insists that further delays will not be tolerated emphasizing this struggle as one not merely about salary but about dignity and recognition for health workers’ vital contributions.

With tension mounting, the health sector awaits decisive government action to avert potential industrial unrest threatening the welfare of millions depending on public healthcare.