By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FMOHSW, said it is working to resolve issues
concerning the protracted Joint Health Sector Unions ( JOHESU) industrial action over the healthcare workers Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS Dispute.
Responding to JOHESU’s warning strike action in a statement signed on Saturday by the FMOHSW
Director, Information & Public Relations Alaba Balogun, made available to newsmen , the Ministry has said it has fostered a tentative framework to solve the industrial disputes aimed at reaching harmony in the health sector and reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare therefore urged JOHESU to call off the strike and allow negotiations to continue in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public.
The ministry relayed JOHESU’s allegation that the ministry had disrespected the health workers demands after
the union issued an ultimatum demanding adjustments to CONHESS as those implemented under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) over the protracted strike by JOHESU, which began on 14 November 2025,
In a joint statement, the labor centers had accused the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare of deliberately refusing to implement the report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment submitted in 2021, describing the delay as institutional disrespect to health workers.”
However, the Ministry has dismissed the allegations, stating that there is no truth to claims of deliberate refusal to implement the report or discrimination against any category of health workers.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to sustaining industrial harmony within the health sector.
Additionally, the ministry
has disclosed that since the commencement of the strike, several conciliatory meetings have been held with JOHESU at both the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, despite the union’s decision to approach the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
The ministry disclosed that both parties had reached a tentative understanding on a framework for resolving the dispute at a high- level meeting convened on 15th January 2026.
“During the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals including the immediate implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body (HLB) chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which recommended adjustments to CONHESS.”
Meanwhile, concerning the call for withdrawal of the “ No Work, No Pay” circular for healthcare workers, the Ministry promised that it would be resolved administratively but appealed for the maintenance of the status quo pending the conclusion of an ongoing job evaluation exercise being conducted by the NSIWC which commenced in November 2025. The NSIWC is expected to last six months and is aimed at determining appropriate placement for all health professionals.
The ministry said the outcome would guide discussions on salary adjustments and the reconvening of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
It would be recalled that the demand for CONHESS adjustment has spanned over a decade, without solutions by previous administrations.
The Federal Government, stated that the ministry is determined to find a lasting solution that ensures uninterrupted healthcare delivery, promotes equity across professional cadres, and strengthens long-term industrial harmony.
While assuring Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to keep federal hospitals operational.
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To further demonstrate its commitment to dialogue, the Ministry expressed willingness to continue engaging with the NLC and TUC and confirmed that additional meetings were held on 20 and 22 January 2026 to conclude outstanding issues from the January 15 meeting, with the aim of securing an end to the strike.
The Ministry noted that when these sustained engagements are viewed against the backdrop of the labour ultimatum, there is a clear mismatch, stressing that the Federal Government remains resolute in its pursuit of sustainable industrial peace in the health sector.
The Ministry therefore urged JOHESU to call off the strike in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public, while commending health professionals who have continued to work during the industrial action.
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