Abuja — The Federal Government has outlined a clear framework for resolving the ongoing industrial dispute between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), while reaffirming its commitment to reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The Ministry’s attention was drawn to a joint statement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) concerning the dispute, which followed an earlier ultimatum issued by JOHESU demanding adjustments to CONHESS in line with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). The disagreement culminated in the strike action embarked upon by JOHESU on November 14, 2025.
In the statement, the labour centres alleged that the Ministry deliberately failed to implement the report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment submitted in 2021, describing the delay as institutional disrespect to health workers and organised labour, and issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare firmly rejects these allegations, stating that there has been no deliberate refusal to implement the Technical Committee’s report, nor any form of discrimination against any category of health workers.
The Ministry reiterates its unwavering commitment to industrial harmony in the health sector and clarifies that since the commencement of the industrial action, the Federal Government has engaged JOHESU in several conciliatory meetings, both at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, despite the union’s decision to seek judicial intervention at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
As part of sustained efforts to de-escalate tensions, a high-level conciliatory meeting was convened by the Ministry on Thursday, January 15, 2026. At that meeting, a tentative understanding was reached on a framework for resolving the lingering dispute.
Outcome of the January 15 Meeting
During the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals including the implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which recommended adjustments to CONHESS. The unions also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular, insisting it should not apply to their members.
Ministry’s Position
In response, the Ministry appealed for the maintenance of the status quo to allow the NSIWC to conclude an ongoing job evaluation exercise, which commenced in November 2025 and is expected to last six months. The exercise is intended to determine appropriate job placements for all health professionals and provide an evidence-based foundation for salary adjustments and the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Ministry explained that this approach takes into account existing Memoranda of Understanding and agreements previously signed with various unions in the sector, many of which present conflicting positions.
On the issue of “No Work, No Pay,” the Ministry stated that if JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter would be addressed administratively in its entirety.
To further demonstrate its commitment to dialogue, the Ministry expressed its readiness to continue engaging with the NLC and TUC and raised no objection to their participation in ongoing discussions. Following the January 15 meeting, additional meetings were held on January 20 and 22, 2026, to conclude outstanding issues and facilitate the suspension of the strike.
Against this background, the Ministry notes a clear disconnect between the ongoing engagement process and the ultimatum issued by the labour centres, stressing that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to achieving sustainable industrial peace in the health sector.
The Ministry also noted that demands for CONHESS adjustment have been longstanding for over a decade and remained unresolved under previous administrations. However, JOHESU members recently benefited from increases in professional allowances amounting to approximately ₦58 billion in arrears from July 2024 and about ₦40 billion annually.
Recognising the critical role of healthcare workers in national development, the Federal Government is determined to resolve the dispute through dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect, while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery, equity across professional cadres, and long-term industrial harmony.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare therefore calls on JOHESU to suspend the ongoing strike and allow negotiations to continue in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public.
The Ministry also commends health professionals who have remained at their duty posts, saving lives, and assures Nigerians that all efforts are being made to keep federal hospitals operational.
