The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has threatened another nationwide industrial action over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), despite an earlier agreement to conclude the process by April 2026.
JOHESU National Chairman and President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Kabiru Minjibir, disclosed the union’s position while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Minjibir said frustration has continued to grow among health workers because the government has failed to honour its commitment. He revealed that JOHESU and government representatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding after last year’s 84-day strike, with both parties agreeing to complete the salary adjustment before the end of April 2026.
He explained that the dispute dates back to 2016 when the government introduced the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) alongside CONHESS. According to him, the policy provided that any upward review of CONMESS should attract a corresponding adjustment for CONHESS. While the government has reviewed doctors’ salaries three times, it has yet to implement the same adjustment for other health professionals.
Minjibir urged the Minister of Labour and Employment and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to conclude negotiations before workers issue another ultimatum. He warned that continued delays could disrupt healthcare services across federal health institutions, with patients bearing the greatest burden.
He also rejected claims that non-medical health workers seek to enjoy benefits secured by doctors. Instead, he said JOHESU only demands fair remuneration based on professional responsibilities and existing agreements.
“Our agitation is not based on what others have achieved but on the principle of justice and fairness for all health workers,” Minjibir said, adding that effective healthcare depends on teamwork and mutual respect among all professionals.
