The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has warned the Federal Government over its failure to meet its long-standing demands. The union is particularly upset about delayed salary adjustments and the slow implementation of important reforms.
The warning comes after a series of meetings held from July 30 to August 1, 2025, between JOHESU leaders and officials from the Ministries of Labour, Employment, Health, and Social Welfare.
In a statement signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union said it was very disappointed with the government’s lack of seriousness in fulfilling past agreements. One key issue is the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and payment of arrears.
JOHESU accused the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) of ignoring their main demand since June 2023, even after the President got involved to intervene.
During the meeting, the Minister of Labour and Employment promised that there would be progress in the next three weeks, including working with the Minister of Finance. However, JOHESU warned that any further delay in paying salary arrears from June to December 2023 would not be tolerated. The union accepted the assurance that these arrears would be paid in August 2025, but insisted that failure to do so could cause serious problems in the health sector.
JOHESU also condemned the government’s decision to suspend recent circulars that approved allowances for CONHESS health workers. They accused the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) of interfering unfairly and breaking trade union laws. JOHESU asked the government to reverse the suspension and respect the 2009 agreement that promised equal benefits for CONHESS and CONMESS workers.
The union also expressed frustration over the slow approval of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre in federal health institutions. So far, only 28.76% of institutions have complied. JOHESU demanded full implementation within one week.
Additionally, the union criticized delays in increasing the retirement age for health workers and consultants. They called on the relevant government bodies to issue the necessary circulars immediately.
JOHESU also spoke about the plight of staff at the Environmental Health Regulatory Council, who have reportedly not received their salaries for 19 months. They demanded that the council be included in the national budget again and that all salary arrears dating back to 2014 be paid.
The union further expressed disappointment over delays in implementing agreed allowances for holders of Pharm. D and Doctor of Optometry degrees. However, they acknowledged some recent progress made by the Ministry of Health and IPPIS in addressing these issues.
Another concern raised by JOHESU is the government’s failure to reconstitute the Boards of Management for federal health institutions and regulatory councils. They said this delay is unacceptable and must be corrected immediately.
JOHESU also supported the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in accusing the government of repeatedly breaking collective agreements. The union vowed to resist any form of discrimination or bad-faith actions.
While thanking stakeholders like traditional rulers, lawmakers, and labor leaders for helping to reduce tensions, JOHESU made it clear that they would hold the government to the August 2025 deadline for paying arrears and fulfilling other agreements.
If the government fails to meet these demands, JOHESU warned that its leadership will call a national strike, working alongside NLC and TUC. They urged their members nationwide to stay alert for possible industrial action.
