Health workers across Nigeria on Saturday commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, warning the government against any form of intimidation or victimisation during the industrial action.
The Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations declared the strike on Friday following what they described as prolonged government failure to implement agreed welfare packages.
In a statement signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibri, the unions said the government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure triggered the decision.
According to the statement, unresolved welfare concerns and systemic issues had piled up over the years despite repeated appeals for action.
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“We have shown patience, selflessness and patriotism, yet our flagship demand for salary parity and welfare improvements has been ignored,” Minjibri stated.
The unions said they were left with no alternative but to withdraw their services after exhausting all dialogue channels with the Federal Government.
The strike action comes as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors continues its own nationwide strike, raising fears of widespread disruptions across teaching hospitals and specialist centres.
Health administrators across states have expressed concern that simultaneous strikes could stretch public health institutions beyond capacity.
JOHESU, which comprises several major health unions, noted that members had endured repeated unfulfilled promises despite suspending previous strikes in June 2023 and October 2024 after presidential interventions.
The unions said the government’s failure to implement agreements reached during those negotiations contributed significantly to the current situation.
“We urge all members to comply strictly with this strike directive. JOHESU will not tolerate victimisation or sanctions against its members during this period,” the statement warned.
A key issue cited was the delayed implementation of the High-Level Body Committee report on CONHESS, which the unions said had remained unresolved since 2022.
JOHESU criticised what it described as recurring government excuses, including delays in reconstituting the Presidential Committee on Salaries.
Union leaders also insisted that the strike would continue until concrete steps were taken to address all outstanding welfare and structural concerns.
They added that the responsibility to restore normal services lay squarely with the government once it fulfilled previously agreed commitments.
