The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) recently escalated its nationwide industrial action, with union members actively monitoring and enforcing compliance at federal health facilities across Nigeria. A significant event unfolded at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, where JOHESU officials led by union leadership reinforced the ongoing strike, ensuring that all non-compliant members ceased work. This latest development provides a critical JOHESU strike update Nigeria needs to understand, highlighting the union’s unwavering resolve in pressing its long-standing demands against the Federal Government.
The enforcement drive saw union members, including representatives from the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), moving through various departments within FMC Umuahia. Their presence was a clear signal that the strike, which began in late 2025, would continue unabated until a satisfactory resolution is reached regarding their welfare and salary adjustments. The union’s determination underscores the deep-seated grievances that have plagued Nigeria’s health sector for years.
What is JOHESU strike? The JOHESU strike is a nationwide industrial action by Nigeria’s Joint Health Sector Unions, representing various non-medical health professionals. Their primary demand is the implementation of a 12-year-old adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), among other welfare improvements.
This industrial action is rooted in the government’s perceived failure to implement a mutually agreed-upon Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, a demand that has been outstanding for over a decade. The health workers displayed placards articulating their frustrations, with messages like “JOHESU strike, no justice, no retreat” and “CONHESS adjustment is sacrosanct, no going back,” emphasizing the core issues driving their protest and the reasons why health workers are striking in Nigeria.
In response to the strike, the Federal Ministry of Health had previously issued a stern “no work, no pay” directive to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of all federal government hospitals, effective January 2026. This directive aims to deter participation in the strike, yet it appears to have done little to dampen the spirits or resolve of the striking health workers, who view their struggle as a fight for justice and equitable treatment within the healthcare system.
Mr. Chibueze Oparaocha, the Abia State Chairman of NUAHP, articulated the rationale behind the compliance monitoring. He affirmed that as major unions representing JOHESU at FMC Umuahia, it was their statutory duty to ensure full adherence to the strike directive. He emphasized that due process was meticulously followed before embarking on the strike, and the unions would not back down until justice was served, highlighting the specific demands within this JOHESU strike guide.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Solomon Offor, the State Chairman of MHWUN, reiterated the union’s commitment to enforcing the strike. He underscored the critical demand for the implementation of the 12-year-old adjusted CONHESS, a key point in understanding the ongoing industrial action. While acknowledging that negotiations are ongoing between the national directorate of JOHESU and the Federal Ministry of Health, Offor stressed that the enforcement of the strike serves as a crucial leverage to compel the government to address their needs.
The Chairperson of MHWUN at FMC Umuahia, Mrs. Commy Okonkwo, expressed satisfaction with the high level of compliance observed among members. She extended gratitude for their cooperation and unwavering commitment, while also admonishing some members who attempted to sabotage the union’s collective efforts. This monitoring, she noted, was essential to maintain solidarity and ensure the effectiveness of their protest, further shaping the narrative around the FMC Umuahia strike update.
The persistent standoff between JOHESU and the Federal Government has significant implications for Nigeria’s already strained public health sector. Patient care is inevitably affected, leading to disruptions in essential services and increased pressure on alternative healthcare providers. The comparison between JOHESU vs NMA often arises in these discussions, highlighting the broader challenges of inter-professional rivalry and resource allocation within the nation’s health system.
Furthermore, the debate over CONHESS vs CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) often fuels tensions, as non-medical health professionals argue for parity and fair remuneration compared to their medical counterparts. Resolving the JOHESU strike demands explained extensively is crucial not only for the welfare of health workers but also for the stability and efficiency of Nigeria’s entire healthcare delivery system, impacting millions of citizens.
As negotiations continue, the future of healthcare services in Nigeria hangs in the balance. The government faces the challenge of addressing these long-standing grievances while managing the economic impact of such adjustments. The health workers, through JOHESU, remain steadfast, hopeful that their collective action will finally compel the authorities to implement the agreed-upon salary structure and improve working conditions.
The ongoing commitment from union members, as witnessed at FMC Umuahia, signifies a critical moment in the country’s health sector. A swift and equitable resolution is paramount to ensure that essential healthcare services are restored and that the dedication of Nigeria’s health professionals is appropriately recognized. This remains a vital JOHESU strike update Nigeria closely watches, hoping for a positive outcome for all stakeholders involved.
