The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike after 84 days, bringing relief to patients and public health institutions across the country.
The decision to suspend the strike was taken at the end of an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) emergency meeting held in Abuja on Friday. The meeting was convened to review the outcome of a conciliation meeting between JOHESU and the Federal Government, which took place on Thursday at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
In a communique issued after the meeting, JOHESU said it resolved to suspend the industrial action to allow the Federal Government to begin implementing the Terms of Settlement reached during the conciliation talks.
The union said the suspension of the strike was a sign of goodwill and a chance for the government to fulfill the agreements reached after weeks of negotiations.
JOHESU is an umbrella body that represents several health sector unions, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).
The strike, which began 84 days ago, affected government-owned hospitals and health institutions nationwide. During the period, many patients were unable to access medical care, while public hospitals operated skeletal services. Emergency cases were attended to in some facilities, but routine medical services were largely disrupted.
The industrial action was declared after JOHESU accused the Federal Government of failing to honor earlier agreements on welfare issues affecting its members. These issues include salary adjustments, payment of allowances, proper implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), and improved working conditions for health workers.
JOHESU has, over the years, complained about what it describes as unfair treatment of its members compared to other health professionals, especially medical doctors. The union has repeatedly called for better recognition of its role in the healthcare system and a review of policies it believes place its members at a disadvantage.
The Federal Government and JOHESU have held several meetings since the strike began, but talks broke down on multiple occasions, leading to the prolonged shutdown of services in many public hospitals. The latest conciliation meeting, facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, appears to have produced fresh commitments from the government.
Although the union did not release full details of the Terms of Settlement, it stated that key demands were addressed and that clear timelines for implementation were discussed. JOHESU said it would closely monitor the government’s actions to ensure that agreements are not ignored.
Patients and civil society groups have also welcomed the decision, calling on both parties to maintain dialogue and avoid future disruptions in the health sector. Many Nigerians expressed frustration during the strike, saying they were forced to seek expensive private care or delay treatment.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has repeatedly emphasized its role in resolving industrial disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation. The ministry has urged all parties to respect agreements reached and work together in the interest of the public.
With the suspension of the strike, health workers under JOHESU are expected to return to work immediately, and normal services are expected to resume in government hospitals across the country.