JOHESU Warns of Nationwide Strike if Health Workers’ Salaries Are Not Adjusted by April

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has threatened to resume a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to implement agreed salary adjustments by April 2026.

Dr Bassey Icha, JOHESU Chairman for Cross River State, disclosed the warning on Tuesday in Calabar, following the temporary suspension of the union’s industrial action. The strike, which began on November 15, 2025, was suspended on February 6 after appeals from the government and pending committee approvals.

Icha explained that the strike stemmed from the non-review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), introduced in 2009 without subsequent adjustments. Meanwhile, doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) have enjoyed multiple pay reviews, widening the salary gap within the health sector.

“JOHESU was not demanding parity with doctors’ salaries but was seeking a fair review based on government salary templates,” Icha said.

He also highlighted that several Memoranda of Understanding with the government since 2014 remain unimplemented, and a 2021 memo submitted to the Budget Office is yet to pass through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The union agreed to halt the strike temporarily after the government requested more time, with committee decisions expected by April 2026. Icha warned:

“Failure to achieve positive outcomes by the end of April would force JOHESU back to industrial action.”

He further noted that research shows Nigerian health workers are paid less than their counterparts in most West African countries, including Ghana, urging the government to prioritise better training, modern medical equipment, and improved working conditions to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.