The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has warned the Federal Government of a possible nationwide strike over the prolonged delay in adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The union directed its members to remain on alert and begin preparations for industrial action if the government fails to address the outstanding salary adjustment. This warning follows a virtual meeting of JOHESU's National Executive Council (NEC) held on October 29.
JOHESU expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of discussions surrounding the matter, stating that its members can no longer accept repeated delays after years of negotiations and assurances from the government. The union's NEC has instructed members to begin mobilisation across health institutions in preparation for any eventual industrial action. A statement jointly signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, emphasised the need for urgent action.
The CONHESS adjustment is one of the longest-standing demands in the history of organised labour in Nigeria, with the delay creating frustration among health workers. JOHESU argued that the government must find a way to move the process forward rather than allow administrative delays to prolong the dispute. The union also commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their efforts and interventions in pushing for the implementation of the adjustment.
President Bola Tinubu had given assurances on the matter in June 2023, committing to address the concerns of health workers. However, JOHESU questioned why the adjustment had remained pending despite the assurances given more than three years ago. The salary adjustment process had reached the level of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which forwarded the 2021 report of the High-Level Body Technical Committee on the CONHESS adjustment to the Budget Office of the Federation on June 5, 2023.
The process encountered another obstacle at the Presidential Committee on Salaries, with the committee's inability to convene meetings delaying the consideration and approval of the proposed adjustment. JOHESU rejected any attempt to use the committee's failure to meet as justification for keeping the matter unresolved. The union maintained that organised labour has the legal authority to negotiate improved working conditions and remuneration for its members under the Trade Unions Act.
JOHESU brings together several unions representing workers across Nigeria's health sector, including the Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals. The union's demand for the CONHESS adjustment is within the established framework of labour relations and should not be treated as an issue that could be indefinitely postponed. CONHESS covers several professional and non-professional groups working in government-owned health institutions.
The warning signals a possible fresh confrontation between health sector unions and the Federal Government if the outstanding salary adjustment is not implemented. JOHESU's members, including nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory scientists, are covered under the CONHESS structure, which has not been adjusted for 13 years. The union's mobilisation efforts may lead to a nationwide strike if the government fails to address their concerns.
Key points
- The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has warned of a possible nationwide strike over the 13-year delay in adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
- The union's demand for the CONHESS adjustment is within the established framework of labour relations and should not be treated as an issue that could be indefinitely postponed.
- President Bola Tinubu had given assurances on the matter in June 2023, but the adjustment has remained pending despite the assurances given more than three years ago.
