By Mercy Adi
The Federal Government has resolved the 84-day nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions, as the union directed its members to resume work immediately.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the decision followed a successful conciliation meeting between government representatives and the union leadership.
JOHESU had embarked on the strike over unresolved welfare issues and salary-related concerns, disrupting services across federal health institutions.
According to the ministry, the union suspended the strike in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue and fairness in addressing labour disputes in the health sector.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. The resolution reached demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector,” Salako said.
He disclosed that the government had withdrawn the “No Work, No Pay” directive issued during the strike and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for all JOHESU members.
“We recognise the sacrifices made by our health workers and the critical role they play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians,” the minister said.
“Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no worker will be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action.”
Salako added that the government would sustain engagement with health sector unions to ensure industrial harmony and improved service delivery.
“This administration is determined to build a health sector where workers feel valued, patients receive quality care, and institutions are strengthened for long-term sustainability. We will continue negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and prioritise outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.”
The minister further stated that provisions for the proposed salary adjustments would be included in the 2026 Appropriation Act, in line with the recommendations of the existing technical committee.
He said the inclusion of the salary adjustment in the 2026 budget framework reflected the government’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions for health workers.
The ministry commended all parties for their cooperation during the negotiation process and assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted and quality healthcare services nationwide.